Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo says he has launched investigations into complaints from local suppliers and contractors alleging that they are being denied business opportunities at Mopani Copper Mines in preference to foreign firms.
A group of local suppliers and contractors is threatening to stage a protest over alleged unfair awarding of contracts at Mopani.
Mr. Matambo said he is aware about supplier’s grievances and their planned protests.
The Copperbelt Minister said there must be fairness in the manner contracts are awarded to contractors.
“I have decided to take it personal and carry out an investigation on what is happening at Mopani Copper Mines because I received a lot of complaints like you (Reporter) as asked about. Of course I saw an application where some suppliers were almost protesting so that Mopani can start giving more business to Zambians as compared to foreigners,” he said.
Mr. Matambo has told journalists at a media briefing in Ndola that Government policy requires that companies give preference to local firms over foreigners.
“It is the policy of the UPND Government to consider Zambians first. Mopani should give Zambians business first. They should not select the type of business to give to Zambians and the type of business contracts to give to foreigners. What used to happen in the past is that big business contracts were being given to foreigners and then they give small business contracts with no value to local companies. We are not going to allow that,” he said.
“The policy of the UPND Government under President Hakainde Hichilema is that Zambians must be given first priority. So I am trying to do investigations on how contracts are being awarded. The issue you have raised about Mopani I will investigate it and we won’t allow that,” Mr. Matambo concluded.
I hope the minister’s investigation will include sitting down with Mopani to review their Approved Supplier List. Often times, local suppliers score low on the List due to their lack of reliability. Mopani is in business to make profits and will not hesitate to push aside unreliable suppliers, which most of the local suppliers are.
The real scenario is that party members who have failed due to their unreliability want to force matters. Minister you won’t go anywhere.
We’re a nation of people that don’t know what they really want. The problem at Mopani isn’t new. Iscariot Mumba failed to deal with the matter when it was presented to him as VP. For as long as these businesses are in foreign hands we’ll continue to complain or to get peanuts. But what happened in the short periods that Zambians were in charge? How did Milingo Lungu behave at KCM? Known cadres started to get hefty advance payments for goods and services that were never supplied! What do Zambians really want?
Try dealing with some local suppliers then maybe you will understand
We have many honourable ones maybe in other fields
If local suppliers match the price, quality and reliability of foreign suppliers then it shouldn’t be a problem.
some want to transforme a bussiness problem into a political problem.
someone want to transform a business problem into a political problems
Who do we complain to with regard to non payment from ZAF?