IN a turn of events, AVIC International workers constructing houses for the Ministry of Home Affairs have been given contracts after a protest on Sunday. Over 250 AVIC International workers constructing houses for the ministry of Home Affairs and Zambia Correctional Facility in Luanshya stormed Kambwili’s house demanding that he addresses them. The workers were demanding better conditions of service and contracts.

“This company called AVIC is causing a lot of problems for us here. We are working with contracts and the conditions are so poor. What is the government doing to address this problem? If nothing is done, we will not go back for work. We want decent salaries because of the work we are doing,” complained a worker.

“We are building government houses and we should be happy people knowing very well that government will take care of us. But what is happening is so sad. We are subjected to harsh conditions by these Chinese guys of AVIC. So today we are not working. We want someone to speak for us.”
Kambwili who later addressed them said there was no President in the country and what was in State House was a figurehead, without power and authority.
He also insinuated that the government administration was protecting Chinese and warned that things will change when he takes over as President.

But to on Monday, AVIC International and Luanshya district commissioner Joel Chibuye explained that the contracts were done but only a copy was not given to the workers. A check at the construction site found the workers busy working. And Chibuye said AVIC International had done a commendable good on the project. He warned that government would not allow political elements to be inciting the workers to protest over a miscommunication.

“I think I am happy with what is happening here. We need to work together to change the face of our country. What is happening at this site is good for our youths. These skills which our youths have gotten should be used well. The Chinese will go after this project and these skills we learn should be used for our benefit as a country,” Chibuye said.

“No one will be fired here among the youths that protested yesterday. We have agreed without colleagues here that we should be communicating with the workers on any issues.”