ZAMBIA: Bishop of Ndola Tells Government to be Pro-Poor
Right: Bishop Benjamin Phiri and Left: Mr. Matamb0
Mwenya Mukuka
Catholic Diocese of Ndola Bishop Benjamin Phiri has told Government to prioritize the interests of the poor people.
Bishop Phiri said that Government should provide quality services due to the poor such as health, education and roads. He said this when the regional Copperbelt Minister Hon. Elisha Matambo paid a courtesy-call on him at the Diocesan Offices in Ndola, Monday, 28th February, 2022.
“Let me also talk about service to the poor. I am glad that you have alluded to service to the poor and that this Government is going to see to it that the poor are attended to. We work with the poor, we are in the villages, we are in the compounds and we are with the poorest of the poor. Very often the poor tend to be forgotten. When new guidelines or principles are made for investment and all that, the poor are not really thought about,” Bishop Phiri said.
“You were voted into Government on the principle that you will listen to and serve all Zambians. The poor people need to be seen be served not on promises. So, for us as Church that is very important. For us, that is what we shall constantly remind you about,” Bishop Phiri said.
On his part, Mr. Matambo has hailed the efforts the Catholic Church makes to provide for services like health and education in the country.
“Personally, I want to appreciate the works that have been going on for a long time on the Copperbelt, even before I was even born, more especially to do with schools and the education system. The Catholic Church has produced a lot of graduates. Also, in the health sector, one has just to go to hospitals like Ibenga and several others. We appreciate and recognize your input as the New Dawn Government,” Mr. Matambo said.
