CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY

The formidable heritage and resource base of LafargeHolcim is an undoubted advantage to the Zambian operation, as it is to all company divisions across the world.

Despite making a small loss for the year 2019, Lafarge Zambia has zero long-term debts and is therefore able to continue investing in the country, not only in its own operations but also the wider community in which it operates.

“Our community’s growth and prosperity lies at the crux of our organisation,” Khan adds. “We believe that when our communities prosper, we as a company are on the way to realising one of our greatest growth objectives: building a better Zambia for all and having health and safety as our overarching value.”

Indeed, this is a vital component of the company’s identity, shown by the tremendous variety of events and projects it donated to through the course of last year.

For example, it recognises the rich and diverse culture to be found in Zambia which includes a number of colourful cultural ceremonies. Here, Lafarge Zambia donated to the hosting of several key events through the Busoli Royal Establishments and Cuundu Cultural Fund, while it also sponsored the country’s Push Women Awards.

Wellness is another key strand of CSR activities, no better highlighted than by its Malaria prevention programme which sees employees’ homes fumigated and provided with mosquito nets, with further support given to charities to fumigate homes of other local families.

The annual Lafarge Lusaka Marathon, which has been running since 2012 in partnership with the Zambia Amateur Athletic Association, is another demonstration of wellness CSR in action.