By JAMES KUNDA –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has implored the Church to supplement Government’s efforts in providing quality healthcare services to the people.
In addition, the Head of State has said well-performing local contractors will be given contracts to develop public infrastructure.
Mr Lungu said the role of the Church in healthcare delivery as close to the people as possible would help improve the well-being of the public.
He was speaking in Zimba District in Southern Province yesterday when he commissioned four newly-constructed buildings at Zimba Mission Hospital.
The four buildings, which include the out-patients, radiology, laboratory and antenatal and maternity wings, were built at a cost of K4.6 million by Pilgrim Wesleyan Church, which runs the institution.
“What we are witnessing today is the realisation of the Church’s role in complementing Government’s efforts in improving healthcare services.
“The gesture is commendable and I wish to encourage you to continue with the spirit of serving the people,” he said.
Mr Lungu instructed Health Deputy Minister Chitalu Chilufya, who was present at the event, to ensure that the hospital was allocated an ambulance.
The President also directed Zesco to ensure that the health institution received 24-hour electricity supply.
Pilgrim Wesleyan overseer Alfred Kalembo said the facility would also cater for residents of surrounding districts.
Reverend Kalembo said the Church was involved in other outreach programmes such as helping vulnerable children to pursue education.
At the same occasion, Southern Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu said the Government had set aside K46.9 million for infrastructure development in Zimba.
Mr Lungu toured selected development projects in the district over which he expressed satisfaction.
At the district administration block, which has gobbled up K6.8 million, Mr Lungu praised the Zambian contractor, African Cite Masters which is expected to deliver the project within the next two months.
“I think we should give credit where it’s due. This project will be ready for commissioning in two months’ time and I think it’s a trendsetter for Zambian contractors,” he said.
The Head of State also inspected the 52 staff houses being built for the civil service, and Zimba Boarding School, the only public boarding school in the district.
The President, who was accompanied to Zimba by State House staff, Defence Minister Richwell Siamunene and Livestock Deputy Minister Lawrence Evans, returned to Lusaka in the afternoon ahead of his working visit to Muchinga Province today.