The Management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited has addressed concerns over the delayed payment of allowances to operatives under the Sanitation Module of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), attributing the delay to the government’s postponement in releasing funds.
According to the company, although it manages the day-to-day activities of the YEA operatives, it does not control the disbursement process or the timing of payments, as this falls under the jurisdiction of the government through YEA.
Zoomlion clarified that the funds for paying the YEA operatives’ allowances are first released by the government to the YEA and subsequently passed on to Zoomlion for onward payment to the workers.
The company emphasized that it is responsible for managing the operatives and ensuring they have the required logistics such as uniforms, brooms, and other necessary tools, but the determination of allowance amounts and payment schedules lies solely with the government.
Efforts to alleviate delays
Responding to concerns about delayed payments, Zoomlion pointed out that, on several occasions, it had taken the initiative to secure loans to pre-finance allowances for operatives as a humanitarian gesture, despite this not being part of its contractual obligations.
The company assured the public and its workers that it remains committed to supporting the operatives within the agreed framework and will continue to work closely with the government to ensure that allowances are paid promptly once the necessary funds are made available.
Zoomlion further urged all stakeholders to engage in open and constructive dialogue to resolve such matters, rather than resorting to public actions that could tarnish the company’s reputation.
The management reiterated its dedication to fair and transparent communication with the public and its commitment to the well-being of its workforce.
Zoomlion shed light on the working conditions of the YEA operatives, who work four hours a day, excluding Sundays.
The company noted that whenever workers are required to put in extra hours, they are duly compensated with an additional allowance, and in some cases, provided with lunch.
Although the company is not contractually mandated to offer compensation in cases of death or injury, Zoomlion stated that it had extended financial and medical assistance to affected workers in the past on humanitarian grounds.
Additionally, the company appreciates the dedication of its workers at the end of each year with gifts of rice and oil.
Commitment to long-term partnership
Zoomlion has highlighted its nearly two-decade-long partnership with YEA, during which it has maintained a strong commitment to the welfare of YEA workers.
Over the last 18 years, the company has consistently ensured the timely payment of salaries to these operatives, thereby securing their financial stability.
Zoomlion has also invested in the professional development of the workers, offering training programs that have enabled numerous operatives to acquire specialized skills, such as certified truck driving.
In a further demonstration of its commitment, Zoomlion sponsored YEA operatives to travel to Belarus and Russia in June to expand their knowledge and expertise in waste management.
Expanding waste management services
Zoomlion acknowledged that concerns about delayed allowance payments in some regions had been raised but reassured the public that it remains fully committed to resolving these issues in collaboration with the relevant authorities.
Beyond addressing the current challenges, Zoomlion reaffirmed its dedication to delivering world-class waste management services across various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
These services have contributed significantly to reducing sanitation-related health problems in Ghana.
The company also reiterated its commitment to meeting its contractual obligations while upholding the highest standards of service delivery.
As part of its broader transformational agenda, Zoomlion is establishing state-of-the-art waste recycling, wastewater treatment, and medical waste treatment plants across all sixteen regions of Ghana.
These projects are aimed at modernizing waste management in the country, and the company has pledged not to be distracted by negative publications that seek to undermine its efforts.
Digitization of waste collection payments
Zoomlion is set to launch its “Change Your Borla Style” e-payment system, a platform designed to streamline and simplify the payment process for waste collection services.
This initiative forms part of the company’s broader mission to digitize and modernize waste management in Ghana, making it easier for citizens to contribute to maintaining clean environments.
Zoomlion’s reputation and appeal to the media
Zoomlion reaffirmed its status as a responsible corporate entity that operates with integrity and ethical principles, promoting environmental sanitation across Ghana.
It described recent negative reports as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the company’s well-established reputation in Ghana and globally.
The company called on the media to adopt a more decorous approach in their coverage of national reports concerning Zoomlion, which has been a leading force in promoting sustainable waste management in Ghana and beyond.
Zoomlion reassured its stakeholders, YEA operatives, and the general public that it remains committed to delivering exceptional services and maintaining transparent relationships with all involved parties.
The company also reaffirmed that it has not engaged in any wrongdoing and is focused on continuing its efforts to improve waste management services across the country.
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