And Mr Kachimba advised Yangts Jiang contractor, who are building 438 houses under National Pension Scheme and Authority in Kalulushi (NAPSA), against insulting Zambian workers.
Mr Kachimba said he was disappointed with Ms Chapewa’s decision to block his entourage from visiting the plant.
The minister and his entourage arrived at the plant around 12: 50 hours and he was only allowed in after 13: 00 hours.
This was after assistant labour commissioner Simon Kapilima and Kitwe senior labour officer Mwaka Zulu managed to convince Ms Chapewa to allow the minister to visit the plant as they had already made arrangements with Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).
Earlier, Ms Chapewa instructed the security guards not to allow the minister and his entourage into the plant.
She allegedly said the company policy demands that any visit to the plant by outsiders should be accompanied by KCM officials.
“I am very disappointed with you (Ms Chapewa), especially that you are a Zambian and a human resources manager who knows the labour laws of the country. We are not here to intimidate or harass you in any way.
We are here to learn one or two things because we have been receiving some disturbing reports from workers about this company and as a ministry responsible, we decided to pay you a visit,” Mr Kachimba said.
He instructed Ms Chapewa to work hand in hand with Ms Zulu in finalising the paper work on the conditions of service for the workers.
Mr Kachimba said workers should be allowed to join any union of their choice.
“I am giving you an ultimatum of one month to ensure that all the paper work is done on the conditions of service for the workers. I am also going to ask Mine Workers Union of Zambia and National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) to come and recruit members here because our labour laws demand that workers must be allowed to join any union of their choice,” he said.
And Mr Kachimba expressed disappointment that some Chinese supervisors who are constructing 438 houses in Kalulushi under NAPSA insult Zambian workers.
The workers accused some of their supervisors of calling them all sorts of names.
“Please don’t call Zambian workers names, they are human beings like yourselves. Work in harmony because if you don’t work well the project may take long to be completed.
Make sure this month you pay them with their payslips and work on their conditions of service.I am told that you fire your workers anyhow, even those who go to church on Sunday are dismissed.
Allow your workers to go to church because in Zambia we respect God very much,” he said.
Mr Kachimba told Yangts Jiang project manager Wang Yuchi to ensure that the Chinese supervisors do not insult Zambian workers.
He also expressed disappointment that some Zambian workers allegedly steal cement and report late for work.
And Mr Yuchi assured Mr Kachimba that he will ensure that Chinese
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