Chinese firm probed over unreported workers’ deaths

GOVERNMENT

will investigate an incident in which two workers were crushed to death at the Chinese-owned United Quarry Company Limited in Chongwe and the employer failed to report to relevant authorities.

“We shall thoroughly investigate the matter in which the two employees died at the company owned by Yi Wang Ping,” Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Chanda Kaziya has said.

The ministry has since suspended operations at the quarry firm for failing to comply with labour laws.

Mr Kaziya said he was aware that two people died whilst on duty but the employer failed to report the matter to the ministry.

He said the ministry would ensure that the matter received the attention it deserved as the employer had abrogated the laws.

Mr Kaziya said the ministry would ensure that the employer was put to task for deciding to ignore the laws which every company must adhere to.

Residents of Waterfalls area in Chongwe where the mine operate from, petitioned that Government should take serious action on such inhuman acts.

The residents said that it was prudent that the company was closed because it was a serious danger to the community.

One of the residents said the company did not report the deaths of the two workers to the Ministry of Labour for possible action.

The resident, who sought anonymity said the company had many times harassed the families of the deceased and threatened them if they reported the matter to police.

But Mr Kaziya said the ministry was following all the activities at the company and appropriate action would be taken.

Mr Kaziya appealed to the residents and the family of the dead workers to help the ministry with information so that the employer can be dealt with.

“I can assure you that this matter will not die a natural death. I cannot allow such inhuman behaviour in this country,” Mr Kaziya said

On revelations that the company has been engaging expatriates without work permits, Mr Kaziya said the culprits would be dealt with as there were laws which should be followed before expatriates start work.