28 February 2008
Ndola — The Chinese government has assured Zambians that the majority of jobs at the Chambishi Copper Smelter (CCS) currently under construction will be given to Zambians.
Chinese deputy minister of commerce, Gao Hucheng, also explained that Chinese workers that were on site were technical staff employed to help in the initial stages and will leave after completion of works.
Mr Gao, who made the assurance when he visited CCS on Tuesday, said about 1,500 jobs would be created and the majority would be offered to Zambians.
He urged Copperbelt Minister, Mwansa Mbulakulima to help allay fears by explaining to the public that most of the jobs that would be created would given to Zambians.
"Be assured that the Chinese that are currently here are mainly technical support staff in the initial stages and they will go back upon completion of the project.
"Please explain to the Zambians that the majority of jobs will be taken up by them and not the Chinese," Mr Gao said.
Mr Gao, who was impressed with progress on the CCS, said the Chinese were determined to help the Zambian Government develop the economy.
He also called on the Zambian Government to ensure meetings were frequently held where stakeholders would be briefed about the progress of the project and be made to fully understand its functions.
And Mr Mbulakulima concurred with Mr Gao saying the Zambian Government has always been advocating the same meetings where he said some problems could be resolved.
Mr Mbulakulima said there was need for dialogue where the Zambians would understand the concept of the project.
He also called for the need to have a system to look at safety and other social responsibilities.
The minister assured the Chinese of Zambia's continued support in the project bearing in mind that the friendship between Zambia and China dated back to the days of the Kaunda era in which several developmental projects were carried out.
Later the Chinese minister also toured the Non-Ferrous Africa Mining Company (NFC) Chambishi mine and Sino Metals within the plant before being briefed on the company's operations by management.
Zambia-China Business Association chairman, Sebastian Kopulande, Copperbelt Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Musonda, Kitwe District Chamber of Commerce president, Eddie Kapungulya, Kalulushi Town Clerk Maxwell Kabanda and District Commissioner Joshua Mutisa accompanied the Chinese minister.
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