The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has urged the government to act swiftly in response to the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in mines. In a statement, MUN southern region chairperson Shavuka Mbidi called on the mines and energy minister as well as the minister of labour to act decisively and come up with strict directives to be implemented by mining companies in response to Covid-19.
“The leadership of MUN southern region is urging both mines and labour ministers to put strict precautionary measures and regulations in place to ensure that mineworkers are protected against the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
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Ensuring implementation of regulations
Furthermore, the chairperson called on labour minister Utoni Nujoma to ensure that labour inspectors are visible on the ground to ensure mine bosses comply with such regulations or precautionary measures.
“What we are now witnessing is that all is left in the hands of (mine) company management to implement whatever they feel like implementing as there are no clear directives given by the line ministers – of labour and of mines and energy as to what the mine management should do to curb spread of the Covid-19 at mines,” he said. He further urged the ministers must leave their “comfort zones in Windhoek” and become visible on the ground to deal with the coronavirus.
