The voice of the local population is being heard in Kipushi as MP Nanou Memba expresses his concern about the marginalization of residents of the region in job offers offered by the company KICO SA. In a correspondence addressed to the general director of KICO, copied to the president of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister and the general director of Gécamines, Nanou Memba underlines the importance of job offers and subcontracting for local workforce.
Kipushi, a territory mainly focused on mining activity, is largely dependent on the activities of Gécamines, with more than 80% of the local economy linked to this company. The cessation of GCM activities had a negative impact on the social well-being of the population.
With the resumption of mining activities by KICO, hope is reborn among the population, who are ready to offer their services as local labor to this company. However, the reality on the ground is quite different. The local population feels marginalized by KICO, both in terms of employment and the subcontracting of services. While there are many skills and capabilities in the region, KICO continues to draw on workers and partners from elsewhere.
Faced with this revolting situation, MP Nanou Memba forcefully requests the complete list of partner companies and subcontractors of KICO SA, as well as the list of staff employed with all the necessary details.
This case highlights a recurring problem in many regions where foreign companies make little effort to integrate and grow the local workforce. It is essential to support and promote the talents and skills of local populations, in order to promote sustainable and equitable economic development.
It is therefore time for KICO SA and other companies to become aware of their social responsibility and give real priority to the employment and subcontracting of local labor. The people of Kipushi deserve to be treated fairly and to benefit from the economic opportunities that present themselves in their region.
Ultimately, fostering mutually beneficial collaboration between businesses and local communities is essential to promote economic growth and ensure a prosperous future for all. The situation in Kipushi is a call to action to ensure that the employment and subcontracting of local labor is truly considered in business decisions and government policies.