By Burnett Munthali
Minister of Labour Vitumbiko Mumba has conducted an unannounced inspection of Central Poultry (CP) Feeds in Kanengo, Lilongwe, exposing shocking and degrading working conditions for employees. This surprise visit was prompted by mounting concerns over the treatment of workers at the facility, which employs over 650 people.
The Minister revealed alarming violations of workplace safety and health standards. Among the critical issues observed was the lack of protective gear for workers operating in hazardous environments. Employees in dusty rooms were seen working without masks, while machine operators lacked gloves, safety boots, and helmets. Startlingly, some workers were found operating machinery barefoot, while others were in sandals or slippers, increasing their risk of injury.
Beyond the lack of safety gear, the Minister highlighted the dire sanitation conditions at the facility. Workers disclosed that the company does not provide sufficient toilets, leading to long queues and forcing some employees to relieve themselves in open spaces outside the premises.
The state of the kitchen used to prepare meals for workers further deepened the Minister’s concerns. Described as unsanitary and infested with flies, the kitchen conditions pose significant health risks to employees who rely on the meals during their grueling shifts.
Adding to these challenges, employees reported enduring long working hours and receiving poor salaries. Many revealed they work for at least 11 hours a day, well above the standard eight-hour workday, without adequate compensation for overtime.
One employee, speaking anonymously, shared, “We work in these harsh conditions for very little pay. We do not have any meaningful benefits, and no one seems to care about our safety.”
Speaking after the inspection, Minister Mumba expressed outrage over the violations, emphasizing that such conditions are unacceptable in a country that upholds workers’ rights.
“This is a clear violation of labor laws and human dignity. Employers must prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of their workers. We cannot allow companies to operate in this manner,” Mumba said.
The Minister pledged immediate action to address the situation, including engaging the management of CP Feeds to demand compliance with labor laws. He also assured workers that his ministry would intensify inspections of workplaces across the country to ensure employers adhere to occupational safety and health standards.
Labor rights advocates have also called for accountability and strict penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) has urged the government to prosecute offenders and establish mechanisms to empower workers to report abuse without fear of retaliation.
The revelations at CP Feeds serve as a wake-up call for the government and other stakeholders to strengthen the enforcement of labor laws. The conditions described highlight the urgent need for reforms to protect Malawi’s workforce from exploitation and ensure dignified working environments.
As the Ministry of Labour begins its investigation, the focus now shifts to whether CP Feeds will be held accountable and whether the government will take tangible steps to ensure such violations do not recur. For the workers at CP Feeds, the hope is that Minister Mumba’s intervention marks the beginning of a long-overdue transformation in their working conditions.
Burnett Munthali is a journalist focusing on labor and economic issues in Malawi.
