Maravi

Govt should be pro-poor - Fr Phiri

Govt should be pro-poor - Fr Phiri
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Tue 06 Nov. 2012, 12:50 CAT

A CATHOLIC priest in Chipata has advised the government to always be pro-poor in its development activities.

In a sermon during morning Mass on Radio Maria yesterday, Fr Mathias Mchona-Phiri said the option for the poor was to show them love. He said the Church was also advised to make a deliberate choice to care and show love for the poor in society.

"So if the state, the Church, we as Catholics, we as Christians have the same message it means we assimilate the values of Christ. Option for the poor is a very big challenge, ordinarily in our homes we know what people we are inviting; we know what people visit our houses. Do we take that deliberate choice to visit the poor? Do we have a deliberate policy to invite the poor? If it is visiting, we choose homes," Fr Phiri said.

He said the government's priority in terms of developmental projects should be given to the poor.
Fr Phiri said Zambia was on the right track in ensuring that the budget was pro-poor.

"The government should always be pro-poor. If you go to Lusaka, there are already good roads that were made by the previous government in trying to win the votes and everything like that but there are still certain places that are very remote. But, where is the option for the poor when you think of a farmer? The rains have started and yet there are others who have not received their money, and we say we have bought the maize. Really, is that buying when someone just brought the crop for sell without getting the money?" Fr Phiri asked.
He observed that a farmer had a seasonal account as compared to ministers or parliamentarians who had daily accounts.

"These ministers make money daily, but the farmer will get money once in a year. Why not opt for him? It's not only a farmer, any ordinary villager, look at the roads! People face difficulties to access social services to the hospitals. Cars are there but they become wrecks within a short period of time because of bad roads. The option for the poor is love for the poor, do not invite those that are going to pay back but give something good to those who cannot pay you back then you will be repaid," said Fr Phiri, adding that there were a lot of people in society who need to be given a word of encouragement, a prayer or a blessing.

Labels: MATHIAS MCHONA-PHIRI, POVERTY

posted by MrK @ 2:53 PM