Photo: Times of Zambia

People in a queque for job in Zambia that resulted in the death of nine people.

THE nine victims who were crushed during a job stampede in Mpulungu District were yesterday put to rest.

Northern Province Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba said the eight were buried in Mpulungu while the ninth victim was buried in Mbala.

Mr Mwamba said three women remained admitted to Mbala General Hospital.

He called for peace in the district as the tragedy had created heightened tension. He said police should maintain law and order and co-opt community and Church leaders to ensure continued peace.

Mr Mwamba advised individuals against inflaming emotions among bereaved families as that was irresponsible.

The nine died on Monday after a stampede at Great Lakes Products in Mpulungu. The women were looking for temporary work.

And speaking when he led thousands of Mpulungu residents during the funeral service, Northern Province Minister, Freedom Sikazwe said the Government was obliged to create and provide employment to its citizens.

Mr Sikazwe said it was the duty of the Government to create jobs and thereby fulfill the electoral pledge of the 2011 elections.

The minister called on concerned ministries to ensure that Kasama Coffee Company was fully revived and an equity partner sought.

He said at its peak, the coffee company provided more than 10,000 jobs at its five farm estates in Kasama and Mbala.

He urged the Ministry of Mines and Energy to expedite the construction of Lunzua hydro-electric project in Mbala as it would create more than 500 jobs.