Former Zambian Airways Workers Chase Nchito for Terminal Benefits

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 21:15:47 +0000

They told the Daily Nation that they were shocked to learn that Mutembo Nchito, the then chief executive officer for the defunct airline, and Fred M’membe of the Post Newspaper a, shareholder borrowed K14 billion from the Development of Zambia (DBZ) which they now were failing to pay back.

One of the former workers said it was also surprising that when the airline went under, a Kenyan firm was appointed to handle the receivership.

“This is strange. Why did they not appoint a Zambian company to take care of the Zambian Airways receivership? We smell a rat there. Definitely something is wrong.

“It is also shocking that with that kind of money Mr Nchito and Mr M’membe have failed to pay workers their terminal benefits. Up to now all former workers of the defunct airline have not been paid anything towards their benefits,” he said.

He said the big question is; where did the money go because despite those billions obtained in loans the airline still went under.

“Just where did this money go? Who benefitted from it? Even as this matter is still boiling in the nation, we want our former directors to know that we are still waiting for our dues,” he said.

The workers have vowed that they will do whatever it takes to ensure that every penny owed to them by the defunct Zambian airways was paid.

“We want our three month salary arrears and payment for years in service as required by the law and since Mr Nchito is a lawyer, he should know this demand even better. Time is running out. We want our money now,” he said.

They however expressed worry that the Kenyan firm handling the receivership was currently busy selling off the airline’s assets but nothing was being paid to the former workers.

He said it was possible that after selling off everything, the Kenyan firm could simply vanish without paying the workers their money.