Mine suppliers thank Rupiah

By ALEX NJOVU

 
THE Mine Suppliers and Contractors Association of Zambia (MSCAZ) has commended President Banda for being concerned about the problems facing its members when dealing with some mining companies.
And the Chamber of Mines says it is important for mining companies to pay suppliers and contractors for the services they render to them.
MSCAZ president Fanuel Banda said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that members of his organisation are happy that President Banda has demonstrated his commitment to efforts aimed at addressing some of the challenges facing suppliers and contractors in the country.
“We are very happy that the President is concerned about our welfare, especially the problems that we are encountering when collecting our money after delivering goods and services to mining houses,” he said.
Mr Banda said President Banda has always been concerned about the problems facing Zambians in general.
“Our members have not been paid for five months now by some mining companies and their businesses have been affected negatively. Mining companies are not supposed to delay paying us, especially when we provide them with the goods and services.
“We are also disappointed that it had to take the head of State to talk about this issue when it could have been easily addressed by the people responsible. President Banda is a busy man and we appreciate very much that he is concerned about our problems,” he said.
Mr Banda called on the mining companies to pay members of his organisation in good time so that their businesses are not negatively affected.
He said the businesses of some suppliers and contractors are being affected negatively because of the delays by mine owners to pay them in good time.
Mr Banda said President Banda’s government has continued implementing polices aimed at fostering development in the mining sector.
He said he hoped that the mine owners will work towards resolving the problems facing suppliers and contractors without being pushed.
Mr Banda said mine owners have an obligation to pay the suppliers and contractors when the services and goods are delivered.
“We are happy that the mining sector has continued to grow and doing well, and we would like to commend the government of President Banda for the policies it is putting in place to develop the sector,” he said.
And Chamber of Mines general manager Fred Bantubonse said President Banda is right in advising mine owners to ensure that suppliers are paid in good time to avoid delays which negatively affect their businesses.
“The President is absolutely right and it is just fair that suppliers are paid for the job they do and on time. However, it is not every mine that delays to pay the suppliers. But all in all, it is important that people are given money for the services they provide to mining houses for their businesses to continue growing,” Mr Bantubonse said.
When commissioning the first phase of the US$1. 6 billion Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) and smelter, President Banda urged mine owners to ensure mine suppliers are paid in good time to avoid delays, which negatively affect their businesses.
President Banda said mine owners and mine suppliers should forge a good working relationship so that the mining sector can continue to grow in harmony.
And Mr Bantubonse said the KDMP is one of the projects which will contribute positively to the growth of the mining industry in the country.
“This is one of the projects that we have been pushing for, and we are happy that finally, it has been launched. This means increased copper production and I hope at a low cost,” Mr Bantubonse said.
He said Chamber of Mines officials are happy that the mining sector has continued recording growth, which he said is important to the development of the country.
Mr Bantubonse said various investments taking place in the mining sector are contributing to the reduction of unemployment.
The investment at KDMP is expected to create over 1,000 jobs.
Mr Bantubonse commended Government for the efforts it is making in enhancing development in the mining industry.
“We are extremely happy that the mining sector has continued recording growth that is impacting positively on the development of our economy. Things are working and we also want to thank the government for the role it is playing in fostering development in the mining sector,” he said.
Mr Bantubonse said the KDMP is the future of Zambian mining and that millions of tonnes of copper ore will be produced to contribute to the country’s economy.
He said the project will also help increase business opportunities for local suppliers.
Mr Bantubonse said several Zambians will benefit in various ways from the project, which will be adding value to production.