FORMER government complex general workers have sued the Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha demanding payment of K25 million being the total sum due as terminal benefits, salary, arrears and accrued interest.
Charles Mumba suing on behalf of himself and 29 others also seeks for damages for breach of contract.
In a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Mumba and his colleagues said they were employed by the government for the purpose of constructing government complex in Lusaka through the then Ministry Of Works and Supply now Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development as general workers in connection with the construction of government complex building.
Mumba submitted that by letter dated October 25, 2016, signed by then Ministry of Works And Supply, Permanent Secretary, the plaintiffs’ were declared redundant with effect from January 31, 2017 in accordance with Personnel Division Circular no.B 19 of 1984.
He said the letter of redundancy acknowledged the plaintiffs’ entitlement to the following terminal benefits; two months basic pay for each completed year of service, repatriation allowance, payment for accured leave days and NAPSA benefits.
“The letter further acknowledged that while efforts had been made to absorb all workers whose employment had been normalised up to December 31, 2015, government was unable to absorb all of them, including the plaintiffs due to limited posts in government ministries and department.”
“The total amount due to the plaintiffs’ as calculated and acknowledged by the government in subsequent correspondence is K5,065,633,” Mumba submitted.
He said despite the passage of over seven years, the defendant has failed or neglected to pay the plaintiffs their terminal benefits.
Mumba added tha they made several efforts to obtain payment, including engaging the office of the labour commissioner, which confirmed the government obligation to pay, but to no avail.
“By letter dated May 22, 2025, the plaintiffs’ through their advocates, wrote to the PS-EMF, Ministry of Finance and National Planning demanding that in light of the prolonged delay in payment, and taking into account accrued interest inflation, and the loss of income, the plaintiffs’ claims the sum of K25,000,000,” read the document.
Mumba said the K25,000,000 represents the original amount due (K5,065,633).
As a result of the continued non payment of the redundancy entitlements, the plaintiff said they have suffered financial hardship, deprivation, and emotional distress.
By Lucy Phiri
Kalemba August 5, 2025
