By Burnett Munthali
The Ministry of Labour has shut down Central Poultry Limited in Lilongwe for violating labour laws and failing to comply with health and safety regulations.
The closure follows an inspection of its Dudu Estate by the Minister of Labour, Peter Dimba, and other senior officials.
The inspection revealed poor sanitation at the company.
Workers also raised concerns about long working hours, low wages, and the lack of transportation home after shifts.
Some of the workers, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisals, revealed that some female workers have been robbed and raped for knocking off late.
They also bemoaned the lack of compensation after injuries, subjecting workers to cold rooms without freezer suits or any protective wear, and exposure to extremely hot conditions without proper ventilation.
The company has been given time to address the problems.
