GOVERNMENT has allowed the China Eleventh Chemical Construction Company and its five subcontractors to continue operations after halting their work earlier this week over unsafe conditions of work.
The firms had come under fire for unsafe working conditions, with workers found operating without safety gear.
The companies were cited for multiple labour infractions, including low wages and failure to issue formal contracts.
This suspension was triggered by an unexoected site visit by Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba, who was accompanied by Labour commissioner Givens Muntengwa and a team of inspectors.
After being fined K160,000, the firms were instructed to correct the violations and provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all staff.
A follow-up inspection on September 24 of confirmed that the necessary gear had been supplied and initial compliance measures had been put in place.
As a result, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security officially allowed the companies to resume operations.
Ministry principal public relations officer Mwaka Ndawa said inspections will continue to ensure that safety and labour standards are consistently upheld.
Ndawa reiterated the ministry’s commitment to enforcing workplace safety, warning that companies that fail to protect their workers will face strict penalties.
“The companies have since complied with Ministry’s directives. Inspectors will continue to monitor operations at the six companies to ensure sustained adherence to labour standards,” Ndawa stated.
“The Ministry would like to appeal to all employers to place workers’ safety at the center of operations. Productivity and profitability can only thrive where safety and workers’ rights are upheld,” added Ndawa.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba September 27, 2025
