28 February 2008
editorial
Ndola — THE assurance from visiting Chinese commerce vice-minister, Gao Hucheng, that the majority of jobs at the Chambishi Copper Smelter (CCS) will be given to locals should put to rest speculation that the foreigners at the construction site will take up most of the positions once the project is completed.
It should now be a relief to people in Kalulushi, Kitwe and other areas that the reports and uncertainty, which cast a negative cloud on the project, had now been cleared.
The visiting government leader has aptly explained that the Chinese nationals at the construction site are technical staff that is there to lay ground and would return to their country once the works are complete.
All Zambians should therefore support the project, which according Mr Gao, will create about 1,500 jobs. This feat alone illustrates how well meaning the project is.
In a situation such as the one obtaining at the Chambishi project, speculation and uncertainty are bound to arise, and it is quite a relief that a clear explanation has been given. Thus all stakeholders should now look forward to the successful completion of the smelter.
It should be realised that there are certain retrogressive quarters that would take advantage of the situation to discredit the project, as a way of getting at the Government and the relationship of economic cooperation with the Chinese government.
Citizens should be wary of such elements that are out to criticise even genuine programmes that are meant to benefit Zambia.
We have no reason to doubt the assurance as it has come from a senior member of the Chinese government, and it provides a context for other major projects to be undertaken, such as the multi facility economic zones.
Additionally, we urge investors, Chinese and Zambian workers on site to focus their energies on the completion of the project and not get distracted.
As Mr Gao suggested, meetings involving stakeholders should be held regularly to look at, among other things, progress and also help people understand how the project was being handled at every stage.
In this way, all stakeholders can get clarification whenever doubts arises.
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