State appreciates NGOs role Kunda

 

From ALEX NJOVU in Mufulira

GOVERNMENT has assured service organisations that it will continue creating and sustaining an enabling environment for them to carry out their programmes for the betterment of Zambians.

Vice President George Kunda said service organisations play an important role in society.
He said this is because no government in the world has been able to single handedly satisfy all the social needs of its people.
Mr Kunda was speaking on Saturday in Mufulira at the induction dinner ceremony of Mwila Mutimushi as the 52nd president of the Rotary Club of Mufulira for the year 2010-2011.
He said service organisations play an important role in filling the gaps and supplementing Government’s efforts in the provision of social services to the less privileged sectors of the community.
“Rotary International, to which the Rotary Club of Mufulira is affiliated, is one of the service organisations that have demonstrated loyalty and consistency in the provision of support to the community in Zambia and the world at large.
“Rotary readily initiates projects which demonstrate its mission to alleviate human suffering and improve the quality of life of the people. The polio immunisation is one such project. The eradication of polio in the world in the near future, as per World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, is no mean achievement,” he said.
Mr Kunda said annually Rotary clubs participate in the polio plus campaigns and that this shows that Rotary International and its partners are worthy partners in development.
He said Government is pleased that the Mufulira Rotary Club has continued initiating and carrying out projects which benefit communities in Mufulira such as combating illiteracy, the provision of clean, safe drinking water and improved sanitation.
Mr Kunda said the club has also been consistent in assisting the aged through support to Chibolya old people’s home.
“You have also contributed to the reduction in child mortality, international goodwill and understanding. Many of these projects have helped the nations strive towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
“Although yours is a small club with only 24 members, you have managed to do many projects. You have involved the community to work alongside you thus achieving the ideals of community participation,” Mr Kunda said.
He said Government appreciates the role being played by the Rotary Club of Mufulira for the community.
He said the club has implemented several projects which are impacting positively on the lives of the people.
“As you celebrate your Golden Jubilee, I would like to assure you that Government and indeed the whole nation appreciates greatly your endeavours towards uplifting the quality of human life and the promotion of peace and understanding among people of all nations,” he said.
And Mufulira Rotary Club past president Dr Frederick Kaoma said about K50million was spent on the implementation of various development projects in Mufulira.
He said the club has continued contributing to the development of the education and health sectors of the country by implementing programmes that are benefiting the people.
District 9210 comprises Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Northern Mozambique.
And president-elect Mr Mutimushi said the club will continue working with the government in the development process of the country.
He said Government and Rotary clubs are social partners in empowering various communities.
Mr Mutimushi said his executive committee will work towards implementing viable projects which will impact positively on the lives of the people in Mufulira and surrounding areas.