. Kaunda

By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
THE Government has warned multi-national chain stores against flouting labour laws in the country.
Meanwhile, a US$500 million Pound Stretcher Mega-Store has been officially launched in Lusaka.
Officiating at the launch of Pound Stretcher Mega Store, Transport, Works, Supply and Communication deputy minister Panji Kaunda said chain stores in the country should make sure that workers were given good conditions of service.
“This is the change people voted for, and this is part of the Patriotic Front’s goal of ensuring that labour laws in the country are respected by both investors and the workers,” Colonel Kaunda said.
He said providing good conditions of service for the workers could help avoid illegal strikes which affect profitability which was the goal of every investor.
Col Kaunda said Government would always provide a conducive environment for privately-owned businesses to thrive as a way of creating jobs.
He expressed hope that the company will soon roll out more outlets across the country.
Pound Stretcher Mega Store country director Andrew Demul said the chain-store decided to invest in Zambia after looking at the conducive environment the country offers.
Mr Demul said the support from the Zambian public had been immense which enabled the company open another 6,500 Metre Square mega shop in a space of six months after opening the first 670 meetre square outlet at Makeni Mall in Lusaka.
“The country’s workforce in terms of quality and talent is second to none in Africa, they grasp quickly during induction training which impressed the managers of the company,” he said.
The chain store has its origins in the United Kingdom where they have more than 400 outlets with branches in South Africa, Malawi and in the Middle East.