By JOHN MUBAMBE
Contractors and suppliers engaged by the mines and other establishments in North-Western Province should do their utmost to produce quality work.
Speaking during the 2023 North-Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Awards Giving Gala at New Brenda’s Conference Centre in Solwezi on December 9, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga advised contractors to work according to project specifications, budget and time.
He said some contractors did not produce quality work while others neglected or abandoned projects as soon as they got mobilization fees.
Mulenga noted that such companies had been given jobs even when they did not have the capacity to perform, and they ended up failing to deliver, hence blocking opportunities for others capable of doing quality work.
“I want to implore all of us that when we are given an opportunity we should do it and deliver it right the first time to avoid wasting the resources that others could use perfectly,” said Mulenga.
Many projects had suffered at the hands of contractors and suppliers who delivered shoddy works because of their ill-thinking that the mobilization funds belonged to the Government.
“It is for this cause that I implore all of us that let us pay particular attention to what we do to protect the integrity of our business. Others are getting that money and walk away and say ‘fyabuteko’ (it is for the Government,)” he said.
The minister further called on the mining companies in the province to consider facilitating partnerships between foreign contractors and the locals to promote empowerment and job creation. All players in the industry should realize that the time for concerted effort in business, partnership and joint ventures had come.
Kayula Lombanya as President of the North-Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the event graced by the Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry was meant to recognize and applaud the passion, vision and hard work that had shaped the vibrant business community.
She noted that the “exceptional” individuals, business communities, private and public institutions and organizations registered under the umbrella of the NWCCI are the driving force behind the economic transformation and societal progress.
Lombanya said award recipients represented the epitome of business excellence and their stories inspired all stakeholders as they embodied the spirit of entrepreneurship that fuelled the engine of the local economy.
The Minister congratulated the 37 winners from different business categories and encouraged the rest to continue working hard and make a difference not only in the province but in the entire country of Zambia.
Kansanshi Mining Plc came out the Best Mining Company of the Year, whilst its sister company FQM Trident scooped the Community Impact Award of the Year.
Barrick-Lumwana joined the winning sides by scooping the 2023 Corporate Icon Award.
Outside the mining sector, Toyota Zambia emerged the 2023 Auto Company of the Year. FNB was crowned the Best Bank of the Year and MTN became the Best Telecommunication Company of the Year. In the service delivery category, NAPSA emerged Best Government Agency of the Year.
