Maravi

Fr Mpasa encourages more pro-poor policies
By Henry Sinyangwe
Sat 16 Nov. 2013, 14:00 CAT

CATHOLIC Church Vicar General for Mansa Fr Mambwe Mpasa has implored leaders to have the wellbeing of the people at heart. Commenting on chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province who recently expressed concern at the widening gap between the rich and the poor, Fr Mpasa said it was saddening that the gap was so wide.

He said there was need to encourage pro-poor policies to address the challenges facing the majority of the population which was poor.

"So I think if the government would come up with policies which would be pro-poor, like creating job opportunities and then creating the environment where the national wealth is equally distributed, instead of concentrating in some areas and putting the national wealth much more into few individuals," Fr Mpasa said.

He said there was need to also address the salary differences among the employed.

"When people are employed, how much money are they getting? Because you find that very few people get very high salaries while the majority get very low salaries. Those are the things which need to be addressed. If the government can come up with policies which would balance the gap, then that will be good. Indeed, the poor will always be there, but there is need to bridge the gap," Fr Mpasa said.

He said there was need for a caring attitude for the poor and to look at what could be done to reduce poverty levels.

"Those in leadership should have the wellbeing of the poor at heart. They should be concerned and acknowledge that the majority poor would like to live better lives. If they get concerned, then they will be putting in place policies which would favour the poor," said Fr Mpasa.

Featuring on Feel Free FM's 'Big Issue' programme recently, chief Madzimawe said there was need to foster tangible development to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

Labels: MAMBWE MPASA, POVERTY

posted by MrK @ 6:05 PM