By SANFROSSA MANYINDA
GOVERNMENT says it stands ready to pay off all the workers at IndeniPetroleum Refinery Company once the transition period is reached.
Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane said all the workers at the company will be paid as government would not find pleasure in sending people on the streets without being paid.
Dr Musokotwane said President Hakainde Hichilema directed the relevant ministries to get the money ready and pay the workers without fail.
The minister was speaking when he, together with his Energy and Information and Media counterparts met the workers at the company in Ndola yesterday.
Last year, government placed Indeni on care and maintenance.
“We have as government heard the people’s cry and I can assure you that we will pay all the workers in a few months’ time.
“We will pay all the workers once the Ministry of Energy and the board tell usthat they are ready to settle all the money for the workers,” Dr Musokotwane said.
Meanwhile, Chief Government spokesperson Chushi Kasanda said misinformation had caused panic among the workers.
Earlier, Indeni Petroleum Refinery Company managing director David Lungu said the situation at Indeni was not certain from the time the company was announced to be placed under care and maintenance.
Mr Lungu said the workers did not know what the implications of care and maintenance were all about.
