By JOHN SAKALA
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Provisional Liquidator (PL) Milingo Lungu says the restructuring of KCM is not targeted at specific individuals.
Mr Lungu said he had become aware of an unfounded report circulating in some sections of the media alleging that he had fired all employees aligned to opposition political parties.
He said the report cites some employees as victims and claims that, several Patriotic Front (PF) leaders and councilors have been left to cross over to the restructured KCM.
The Company refutes these allegations with the contempt it deserves and wishes to put on record that there is no political inclination in the restructuring and reorganisation of KCM. The objective of the process is to increase efficiency and optimize operations, and not to target any individuals for whatever reason may be perceived elsewhere.
“The ongoing re-organization exercise is aimed at leveraging the available human resources for maximum productivity. Like in any industrial restructuring, the re-engagements of the employees is labor requirement driven. Management respects the principles of freedom to contract and offer employment to the best required skilled individuals,” he said.
Mr Lungu said some employees had voluntarily opted not to continue with employment in the new subsidiary companies namely KCM SmelterCo Limited and Konkola Mineral Resources Limited to pursue other interests, and management cannot force them to accept the offer of employment.
“Therefore, the allegations are both unfounded and misleading to all stakeholders, and are intended to discredit the Provisional Liquidator and the management,” he said.
Democratic Party Spokesperson Judith Kabemba and National Democratic Congress Deputy Spokesperson Chipoka Mulenga are among the notable KCM employees that have been redundant by restructuring.
