Waste management giant, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, has declared that its dealings with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) have been transparent and above board, insisting that its hands are clean amid rising public scrutiny and media commentary over its long-standing sanitation contract with the agency.
Management of the company clarified that Zoomlion’s engagement with the government dates back to 2006 when it signed a contract with the then Ministry of Youth and Sports under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), now YEA, to implement the Youth in Sanitation Module.
“The module involved managing the youth [Beneficiaries] across the nation for public cleaning works. Per the Module, the Government through the YEA and in collaboration with District Assemblies, engage the Beneficiaries of the programme, while Zoomlion manages the Beneficiaries and supervises their cleaning activity,” the statement explained.
Furthermore, under the agreement, YEA is tasked with recruiting the beneficiaries, while Zoomlion supervises and manages their daily operations.
“The contract provides for a total sum of GH¢850 per beneficiary, with GH¢258 allocated as allowance and GH¢592 as management fee, covering logistics, PPE and administrative management services,” the company stated.
Addressing concerns over the remuneration of beneficiaries, Zoomlion noted, “We have consistently advocated for an increment in beneficiary allowances and remain committed to doing so.”
The company also recalled some challenges it faces in the execution of the contract, particularly with delayed reimbursements.
“Under the contract, Zoomlion is required to pre-finance payments to the Beneficiaries, for quarterly reimbursement from the government by the next month after the quarter. Undue delays in payments to Zoomlion for several months have necessitated the call for interest payment, to cushion the company’s loss of value occasioned by the long delays,” the statement disclosed.
Zoomlion further stated that it has remained accountable to the YEA over the years. “Zoomlion has submitted and continues to submit quarterly and annual reports to the YEA since 2008.”
On the scope of work, the company indicated that it is responsible for the training, deployment, supervision, and monitoring of the beneficiaries across the country, in addition to providing sanitary tools and equipment for the public cleansing activities.
The company also reiterated the socio-economic impact of its operations.
“We have established 36 waste treatment facilities, including 18 Material Recovery and Waste Treatment Plants,” the statement revealed, adding, “Over 6,000 core jobs have been created, along with 30,000 jobs for tricycle riders and 200,000 employment opportunities along the value chain.”
Again, the Company said it has made significant strides in youth empowerment and skills development through innovative programmes and partnerships.
Despite financial constraints, the company stressed its commitment to public service. “Zoomlion has continued to work without payment for more than a year, driven by its commitment to the public good and environmental sanitation,”
It noted that it welcomed ongoing efforts to improve efficiency in the sector and reaffirmed its mission. “We are committed to job creation, improving lives and livelihoods, and environmental protection,” it said.