Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, has responded to concerns over the monthly earnings of Zoomlion workers, explaining that what many call a “salary” is in fact an allowance — and not one set by Zoomlion itself.
Speaking before Parliament’s Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources, Dr. Agyepong clarified: “The payment isn’t made by us. It’s the agency that sets the amount. We’re just the implementing partner.”
He explained that the hours worked by these sanitation staff are limited — typically around three to four hours a day — and when compared with the national minimum wage for that duration, the compensation aligns.
“It’s not a full-time salary. It’s an allowance based on a short shift,” he added.
Despite the limited hours, he noted that Zoomlion goes beyond the contract by offering health insurance and training.
“Some of them came in as riders. Today, they’re accountants. Others have been sent to China for training. We’ve even given some tricycles to start their own businesses,” he shared.
Dr. Agyepong also addressed frustrations over arrears, revealing that government delays in payment have affected operations.
“There were two whole years we weren’t paid, but we kept going. Waste management is a public health issue. We can’t afford to stop.”
He wrapped up with a plea for more support in the sector: “Waste management isn’t cheap. It’s a 24/7 job, and the equipment wears out fast. It needs serious funding if we want to do it right.”
