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Rupiah has ignored the people’s cry over mobile hospitals - NGOCC

Rupiah has ignored the people’s cry over mobile hospitals - NGOCC
By Kombe Chimpinde
Tue 10 Aug. 2010, 14:00 CAT

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has ignored the cries of the Zambians on the procurement of mobile hospitals, Non Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has observed.

Speaking in an interview with The Post Online, NGOCC executive director, Engwase Mwale said it was retrogressive for the leadership of President Banda to use K261 billion on the procurement of mobile hospitals.

“The government must rethink its agenda on the procurement of mobile hospitals and the possible implications that this will have, the move is just not only costly but also unsustainable,” Mwale said.

She observed that in other countries, mobile hospitals act as a supplementary measure to already existing good facilities.

“Rupiah’s justification that the mobile hospitals will enable access of medical services for those in rural area is not practical. If you look at rural areas the road network is pathetic, one wonders how the mobile hospitals will survive in those roads, does it mean that the hospitals will be moving with mechanics?” she questioned.

“The last thing Zambians need right now is a government that does things haphazardly without making necessary consultations .”

Last month government secured a US $53 million (K261billion) loan for the procurement of mobile hospitals from the Chinese government.

Meanwhile, Mwale has said she doubts the capabilities of works and supply minister Mike Mulongoti who finds everything wrong with donors demanding to know how their monies are being spent.

“Leaders like Mike Mulongoti must first analyse the credibility of some of these statements they make if the public is to take them seriously,” Mwale said.

She further reminded government that NGOs were not Rupiah Banda's government enemies but that their role remained that of a watchdog.

Labels: ENGWASE MWALE, NGOCC, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 5:39 PM