JOB LOSSES LOOM AT KCM
MASTER Mine Services (MMS), a contractor at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has initiated employee contract termination due to financial constraints.
The contractor cannot sustain operations due to failure by the mine to clear outstanding debt.
And Zambians for Peace, Unity and Development (ZUPED) said it warned Government of the severe consequences as a result of its delay to conclude matters surrounding KCM.
ZUPED president Ronnie Jere said some of these things could have been avoided had the government resolved the issues concerning Vedanta Resources and KCM on time.
"See, we have an investor that committed about US$250 million to clear dues owed to contractors and suppliers by KCM if Vedanta takes over the operations of the firm. Imagine if Vedanta had taken over the operations of KCM, do you think such issues such as MMS would be laying off workers? They are laying off workers because they are incapacitated," Mr Jere said.
"We would not be surprised if other contractors and suppliers go this route of employee contract termination because they are facing financial challenges due to non-payment of their dues by KCM. We are confident that once Vedanta takes over, such matters will be resolved."
He said such things should cause the government to move with supersonic speed in concluding the Vedanta-KCM deal.
"This is what we have been advocating for, that Government concludes the Vedanta-KCM deal to avoid such misfortunes. We understand only one legal issue which is the creditors scheme of arrangement is remaining, that's why we are saying can you please speed up this process? Our people are suffering on the Copperbelt," he added.
Mr Jere said to reduce the poverty levels and crime rates on the Copperbelt, it is imperative that KCM begins to operate optimally since issues at Mopani Copper mines have been resolved.