RAMCOZ pensions to be paid eventually?

One of the least dignified episodes in the history of the Zambian copper mine privatisation saga may be winding to a conclusion. The Post reports that mine workers in Luanshya whose pensions somehow slipped through the gaps of a range of deals between shady companies and the Zambian Government may eventually be about to get their long overdue payments.

And still who exactly has paid remains in dispute. PF member of parliament Chishimba Kambwili, who represents the Roan constituency yesterday refuted claims by the government that it had released about K5 billion to pay former Roan Antelope Mining Corporation (RAMCOZ) workers their Mukuba Pension contribution funds.

Kambwili said that the money that was due to be paid to the workers was instead sourced by Mukuba Pension and not the government. He explained that as area member of parliament, he wrote to President Mwanawasa requesting him to intervene in the matter of paying the former workers.

Kambwili said President Mwanawasa through the Secretary to the Cabinet acknowledged that the issue be dealt with expeditiously. “And based on the letter, there was an understanding that while the government is looking for the money, Mukuba was to find the money to pay the workers, which is exactly what they have done. In short, government has not realised the money up to now,” he said.

Kambwili has since appealed to the government to honour its obligation of coming up with the money to repay Mukuba pension. On Thursday, Luanshya district commissioner George Kapu said that the government had released close to K5 billion to pay former RAMCOZ workers their Mukuba Pension contribution funds.

“Yes I can confirm that funds have been released and former miners are expected to start getting their money through Zambia National Commercial Bank this week," he said. Kapu said about 1000 miners were likely to receive their money. Patronisingly, he managed to advise them to put the funds to good use for the benefit of their families.