Maravi

Gjos urges Zambians to use resources effectively

Gjos urges Zambians to use resources effectively
By Pride Bwalya in Monze
Thursday April 24, 2008 [04:00]

THE Zambian government and its people must ensure effective management of resources for the country's economic development, Norwegian Ambassador Tore Gjos has advised. Ambassador Gjos, during a courtesy call on Monze district commissioner Joyce Nondo, said Zambia had enough resources that could be used for various projects especially in the development of education and health sectors in rural areas. He commended the government over the new tax regime for the mines, which took effect on April 1, 2008, saying the revenue raised could benefit and improve the lives of Zambians.

Ambassador Gjos said the government should be encouraged to ensure that local resources were put to good use for the country's economic development. He further urged the government to get rid of bad governance and corruption in order to achieve a meaningful flow of development countrywide.

He said poor governance and corruption should be fought at all levels to ensure sustainable development.

Ambassador Gjos, who toured Kasaka, St. Patrick, Chidamba and Munjele schools that were constructed and rehabilitated by Matantala Rural Integrated Enterprise Project in Monze and Mazabuka with funding from the Norwegian government, said he was impressed with the difference the little funds donated by the Norwegian government had made.

He noted that a good number of schools had been rehabilitated and new ones constructed.

Ambassador Gjos said the government must consider using the Matantala Rural Integrated Project as a best case pilot project and replicate it to other parts of the country to ensure significant development.

And Nondo said the Matantala project had contributed effectively to sensitisation and capacity building in terms of community mobilisation of resources and involvement in development.

Nondo said since inception in Monze, the project had brought about positive impact on community members by improving their livelihood through hard work.

She said community members were able to assess themselves and determine their areas of need in terms of development.
Nondo thanked the Norwegian government for funding the project because it played a crucial role in the development of education and health sectors.

Labels: NATURAL RESOURCES, NORWAY, TORE GJOS

posted by MrK @ 5:07 AM