The Communications Directorate of waste management giants, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, has responded to claims suggesting its workers under the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) are being shortchanged.
Aside from that, the company has also set the records straight on complaints of delays in the payment of salaries to the workers which sparked controversy amongst a section of the public.
In a press statement issued by Zoomlion Thursday, October 03, 2024, it clarified that salaries of the YEA operatives who are being managed by Zoomlion under the Waste and Sanitation Module are not determined by the company.
It says it is the government that determines how much it wants to pay the workers, adding that Zoomlion’s work is to oblige by what the government has agreed with it in the contract.
“The payment of YEA operatives’ allowances is solely determined by the Government/YEA. It is then released to Zoomlion for onward payment to the beneficiaries as Zoomlion manages their day-to-day activities but does not control or determine the amount or timing of payments to operatives,” portions of the statement contained.
The company clarified further that the delay in payment for the workers is not from its outfit since that’s solely determined by the government. The statement noted further that Zoomlion sometimes borrow funds to pay the workers when the government delays unduly, something it says it does on humanitarian grounds since it is not enshrined in its agreement with the government.
“We understand the concerns about delays in the payment of allowances in some regions. However, Zoomlion is not responsible for these delays, as the government has not yet disbursed funds to the company for payment. Nonetheless, Zoomlion has, on several occasions, secured loans to pre-finance allowances as a humanitarian gesture, even though this is not part of our contractual obligations,” it added.
It also spelt many other benefits it gives to the workers contrary to the erroneous impression that the company does not treat the workers well.
Find below the full statement issued by the Communications Directorate of Zoomlion Ghana Limited:
Press Statement: Clarification on Payment of YEA Operatives under the Waste and Sanitation Module
For Immediate Release
Accra, October 3, 2024 – The Management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited learns with regret concerns raised by some operatives under the Sanitation Module of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and wish to address same by clarifying the issues.
This pertains to the payment of allowances to operatives and provide clarity to the public on our role in the Waste and Sanitation Module, which is implemented in partnership with the Government of Ghana through the YEA.
As per the contract agreement, Zoomlion is responsible for managing the operatives and providing the necessary logistics they require for their work, including uniforms, brooms, and other working tools. However, it is important to note the following:
1. Payment of Allowances: The payment of YEA operatives’ allowances is solely determined by the Government/YEA. It is then released to Zoomlion for onward payment to the beneficiaries as Zoomlion manages their day-to-day activities but does not control or determine the amount or timing of payments to operatives.
2. Working Hours: YEA operatives work for four (4) hours per day and do not work on Sundays. In addition to their regular duties, whenever operatives are required to work outside their contracted hours, Zoomlion ensures they are compensated with an allowance, and in some cases, provided with lunch.
3. Support for Workers: While it is not mandated by the contract for Zoomlion to offer compensation in cases of death or injury, the company has, on humanitarian grounds, extended support in such instances, including financial assistance for medical treatment. Additionally, operatives are appreciated at the end of each year with gifts of rice and oil, courtesy of Zoomlion.
4. 18 Years of Unwavering Commitment to YEA Workers: For nearly two decades, Zoomlion has maintained a steadfast partnership with the YEA, consistently demonstrating our commitment to the well-being of YEA workers. Notably, Zoomlion has established an unblemished record of timely salary payments to YEA workers over the past 18 years, ensuring their financial stability and security.
Moreover, our collaboration has gone beyond mere employment, as we have invested in the professional development of YEA workers. Through comprehensive training programs, numerous YEA workers have acquired specialized skills, with many advancing to become certified truck drivers.
5. Annual Global Exposure: Zoomlion’s yearly commitment to global exposure and motivation was evident in June, when YEA operatives were sponsored to visit Belarus and Russia, expanding their waste management knowledge and expertise.
6. Clarification on Delayed Payments: We understand the concerns about delays in the payment of allowances in some regions. However, Zoomlion is not responsible for these delays, as the government has not yet disbursed funds to the company for payment. Nonetheless, Zoomlion has, on several occasions, secured loans to pre-finance allowances as a humanitarian gesture, even though this is not part of our contractual obligations.
We wish to assure all YEA operatives and the public that Zoomlion remains committed to supporting the operatives within the agreed framework and will continue to work closely with the government to ensure timely payments when funds are made available.
We firmly believe that it is in the best interest of and fairness to all parties involved to engage in open and constructive dialogue rather than resorting to actions and pronouncements that may tarnish the image of the company.
Over the years, Zoomlion has consistently delivered world-class waste management services to various MMDAs, resulting in a significant reduction in sanitation-related health issues across the country. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of service delivery and compliance with all contractual obligations.
We are open to continued collaboration and dialogue with the relevant authorities to address any concerns and ensure the continued provision of exceptional waste management services.
Zoomlion Ghana Limited continues to pursue its transformational agenda of establishing state-of-the-art waste recycling plants, wastewater treatment plants, and medical waste treatment plants among others across the sixteen regions of Ghana to modernize waste management in Ghana and will not be distracted by such publications.
Zoomlion is also set to digitise payment for waste collection with the launch of its “change your borla style” E-payment system to make payment for waste collection in Ghana a seamless and easy thing to do.
Zoomlion Ghana Limited remains a responsible corporate entity that works ethically with integrity to promote environmental sanitation across the country. We, therefore, find such publication a deliberate attempt to dent the hard-earned reputation of the company, both in Ghana and at the global level.
The Management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited wishes to reassure its stakeholders and the general public that it had done no wrong and calls on the media to be decorous in their reportage of such national reports against the company which has been at the forefront of driving sustainable waste management in Ghana and beyond.
Issued by the Communications Directorate
Zoomlion Ghana Limited
