Lungu makes promise to private sector

Edgar Lungu

Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) President Edgar Lungu has promised to promote a thriving and successful private sector especially as regards to the local contractors and suppliers when elected into office in the forthcoming presidential elections.

Mr. Lungu says local contractors and suppliers have not been empowered enough citing that he will ensure that local contractors grow significantly by giving them opportunities in order for them to create employment and grow.

Mr. Lungu notes that recently over 200 Zambian contractors were given contracts to build infrastructure in the new 30 districts stressing that this is the way it should be.

He adds that the mines should begin to give local contractors and suppliers’ bigger opportunities than rely upon foreign suppliers citing that foreign suppliers should be made to partner with Zambians.

Mr. Lungu says local companies and individuals must get involved in the ownership of mines adding that they should not be workers but also mine owners which is only possible if government supports the small scale miners.

He points out that mine houses should negotiate with government before any retrenchment of workers is done so as to foster job security in the industry.

Mr. Lungu further states that both old and new mines should provide quality jobs and avoid short and poor contractual jobs stressing that the mines should recommit to developing real and visible social and sporting facilities.