Zambia: Anglican Church Leader Lauds RB

16 June 2011

AN Anglican Church leader has praised President Rupiah Banda and his Government for empowering police officers with housing through the Home Empowerment Policy, saying the gesture will act as an incentive to motivate the men and women in uniform.

William Mchombo, who is Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia bishop, has further commended President Banda for empowering women through appointments to higher positions.

Bishop Mchombo said in a statement yesterday that housing was a necessity and that police officers had for some time been facing accommodation problems, a situation he said was demoralising them.

“It is our hope and prayer that our men and women in uniform will be motivated by these new housing units and that this wonderful gesture will be extended to other civil servants, especially in the ministries of Health and Education and in particular those serving in the remote parts of our beautiful country,” he said.

Bishop Mchombo also said there were other citizens struggling to build houses because of meagre resources and appealed to the Government to put in place measures that would make building materials such as cement and roofing sheets affordable.

He said while the Government could not afford to build houses for everyone, it could still find a way to make the Home Empowerment Policy achievable.

The prelate said the Government, through the Ministry of Lands, should help regulate the cost of plots which he said many district councils had hiked beyond the reach of many poor people.

“We have commended you before for appointing women to decision-making positions. We want to reiterate our commendation for your recent appointment of women to the judiciary and permanent secretary level. Our women deserve equal opportunities with the menfolk meritoriously,” he said.

Bishop Mchombo also thanked President Banda for instituting an investigation into the violence experienced in Mongu, Mazabuka, Lusaka and Mansa, saying the upholding of human rights in a democratic country like Zambia was of great significance.

He said the move would help in maintaining peace especially during this election year and that he felt obliged by President Banda’s continued assurance of holding the polls in a free and fair atmosphere.

“In the Eastern Province, our tobacco farmers feel short-changed by the price offered to buy off their tobacco. Your Government’s intervention for the sake of the farmer will be appreciated greatly.

“May God bless you and watch over you as you strive to take development to all the corners of the country,” he added.

AllAfrica – All the Time