THE visit by President Edgar Lungu to the Copperbelt has resulted in intense meetings with various stakeholders, however the spotlight is much on the discussions he is holding with the mine owners and union representative.
His presence in the province and meeting different stakeholders in the mining industry is an indication that Government is committed to working together in finding a lasting solution to the vexing issues affecting the mines.
Zambia’s economy depends largely on the mining industry, like any other country that produces copper and other minerals, the country has been affected by falling copper prices on the international market.
The closing of mines and laying off of workers is something that the Head of State is positioned to avoid by all costs, as indicated at different functions where he has touched on issues affecting the sector.
President Lungu’s advise to the mine unions and the mine owners to coordinate and ensure a win-win situation when the mining industry was facing challenges is welcome.
The President said Government will continue to create a conducive environment for the mining firms.
When the mining sector is affected by the fall in copper prices globally, it is not only the business that suffers, but the workers also, whose jobs are put on the line.
It is, therefore, imperative that the mine unions and mine workers coordinate without politicking issues but find lasting solutions.
The mining firms should follow the laid down procedures by engaging stakeholders before taking any steps in laying off workers.
The Head of state said he will not endorse job cuts without mining firms following the laid down procedures.
Much as it is of growing concern that the mainstream copper production is slumping, owing to the unfavourable global prices, this should not open a window for workers to lose jobs.
In any difficult situation, there are always alternatives – hence the meetings that President Lungu has lined up with the mine owners are very much encouraging and create hope that, a solution will be found and it shall be found.
This is the way to go, Mr President.
The visit has shown that the President is spreading his tentacles and wants to be on the ground to check on various issues, be it in the positive or the negative, he wants to be there for his people.
Apart from the issues of dwindling copper prices affecting the country and addressing mine issues, the President has also ensured that he tackles of escalated mealie meal prices and again cautioned millers against further exploitation of consumers.
He has cautioned that Government will be forced to reintroduce price control mechanisms as used to the case under UNIP.
Millers should reflect seriously on this issue and the timely warning by the President, which has been re-echoed for the umpteenth time now, but is like falling on deaf ears.
Zambians have endured economic hardships which are also triggered by happenings on the global scale, but, Government is ready to ensure that the people are not enslaved by ‘cartels’.
The working visit by the Head of State is surely worth the accolades.  Opinion