Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Boniface Nalishiwa has assured Mazabuka District that the labour challenges faced by the district will be addressed in due time.
Mr Nalishiwa said that the Ministry has received numerous complaints countrywide ranging from understaffing levels, office space, lack of transport to conduct inspections and not enough funding for office operations among others.
The Permanent Secretary said this during a courtesy call he paid on Mazabuka District Commissioner, Oliver Mulomba at his Office.
Mr Nalishiwa said that his visit to Zambia Sugar Company with his management team is motivated at the number of good reports his Ministry has continued receiving about the company in the area of Occupational, Health and Safety of its employees.
He said that it is impressive to note that the company is involved in programmes such as the ‘Vision Zero’ campaign which is meant to end accidents at place of work being spearheaded by Workers Compensention Fund Control Board (WCFCB).
The Permanent Secretary has said the Ministry will use this experience as a model of the safety standards and start encouraging others to emulate the culture of safety.
Speaking earlier, the District Commissioner, Mr Mulomba requested the Ministry to consider deploying more Labour officers to the district adding that the district has shown a significant increase in the number of companies opening up.
The District Commissioner stated that Zambia Sugar Company has prioritised the employment of the local people and that makes it the reliable partner in the development of the district.
Meanwhile, Zambia Sugar Managing Director, Oswald Magwenzi welcomed the entourage led by Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Permanent Secretary, and described his company as a best employer whose safety track record matches none.
Ministry of Labour and Social Security, management team is in Mazabuka to tour the facility and appreciate the safety protocol model the company has developed over the years.
