By Chusa Sichone (TIMES OF ZAMBIA) DEFENCE Minister Geoffrey Mwamba has urged the Church to supplement Government’s efforts in sensitising people on the benefits to be derived from the removal of fuel and maize subsidies.
Mr Mwamba said this when he officiated at the Christian Faith Mission Centre Fundraising Dinner at Government Complex in Lusaka on Friday where he also pledged KR20, 000 to the church in his personal capacity.
The minister said the Church had a biblical mandate to work with the Government.
“The Patriotic Front Government is committed to enhancing cordial relations with the Church
because the Church is the custodian of God’s love in accordance with the Holy Scripture and in accordance with the Commandments of God’s love to all the people,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by Water Resources Management Authority chairperson Edward Chomba.
Mr Mwamba said Government had removed the subsidies because the benefits to be derived from that action would go a long way in uplifting the living standards of people, particularly in rural areas.
He said funds to be realised following the removal of subsidies would be channelled towards infrastructure development in the roads, health and education sectors.
Christian Faith Mission Centre president Peter Chanda pledged his church’s commitment to working with the Government by supplementing efforts in areas such as education for orphans and vulnerable children like street kids.
Pastor Chanda said the church would not engage itself in unwarranted criticism of Government without offering alternative solutions.
He said the church was in need of KR300, 000 for its activities and assured that the KR250, 000 received from Finance Bank Zambia Limited in 2003 was used for the establishment of a school in Chongwe with 280 pupils currently.
He challenged the church to play a pivotal role in improving the lives of the underprivileged, orphans and vulnerable people in society.
