— Miners date President Lungu

—The mine workers unions in the Country  have resolved to meet President Edgar Lungu  to discuss pertinent issues affecting the mining sector in the Country.

 

Mine workers union of Zambia President Chishimba Nkole  told ZANIS in an interview in Kalulushi  district, today.

 

Mr. Nkole  said  that  his union and the National Union of Miners and allied workers (NUMAW) have resolved to President Lungu soon to  dialogue over the new tax regime and disputed VAT refunds.

 

The MUZ president who is also Zambia congress of Trade Unions leader said prior to the recently held January 20 presidential by-elections ,  they were a lot of uncertainties in the mining sector relating to the two issues.

 

He said the controversy surrounding the VAT refunds and the new tax regime in the mining sector are still outstanding and need to be addressed immediately hence the need to meet the President.

 

President Lungu has since instructed mines minister Christopher  Yaluma to dialogue with the mining companies over the tax regime and vat refunds to ensure a  win win deal  for both Government and the mining companies is arrived at.

 

Meanwhile, the  ZCTU President has hailed President LUNGU for maintaining Christopher  Yaluma as mines minister adding that his re appointment is a positive development.

 

Mr NKOLE said Mr Yaluma has in the past managed to handle issues affecting the sector in a well-coordinated manner ensuring that the Zambian people derive maximum benefits from the country’s mineral wealth.

 

He assured Mr Yaluma of his support and  urged him  to remain focused and move the ministry to greater heights.