Maravi

KK urges equal access to health services

KK urges equal access to health services
Written by Masuzyo Chakwe
Friday, March 20, 2009 2:42:21 AM

DR Kenneth Kaunda has said Linda compound is one of the areas in Lusaka lacking proper planning in terms of infrastructure development. And PF Kanyama member of parliament Colonel Garry Chanda said the people of Linda compound have endured a lot of hardships.

During the official opening of the Zukas-Linda Community Trust and the newly built clinic in Linda compound funded by Simon Zukas' family, Dr Kaunda said access to health services was a human right which needed to be provided to the people.

He said Linda was one of the residential areas in Lusaka with a rapidly growing population and one that lacked appropriate social amenities such as health centres, sanitation and schools.

Dr Kaunda said the people of Linda compound faced challenges of poverty, underdevelopment, illiteracy, diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV and AIDS, yet they were amazingly resourceful and creative.

"They deserve every opportunity for social and economic development," he said.

And Dr Kaunda described Simon Zukas as a true servant of the people.

"Öa servant of God's people, particularly the weak and vulnerable among us. You continue to serve God's children in a truly wonderful way. How can we forget that during the struggle for our independence, you identified yourself with the freedom struggle and participated actively for change," he said.

He said Zuka's contribution to the cause of freedom, human dignity, harmony and the wellbeing of the human race was well known.

"My own organisation, the Kenneth Kaunda Children of Africa Foundation (KKCAF) is playing a modest role in this area of human development. But we need more stakeholders to provide this service in both our urban and rural areas," he said.

And Col Chanda said Linda compound had been deprived of health services for many years.

He said it was the responsibility of the government to provide health care services, although other people could help by providing the first step.

And Neri Clinic chairperson Garrett Sheehan, who will be running the clinic together with Zambian personnel, said it was the responsibility of every member of society to be healthy and to contribute to the continuing growth and development of Zambia.

Earlier, Zukas said the area comprising Linda compound, Buckley and Balmoral, had a split personality as it appeared to be part of Lusaka and Kafue.

He said the people paid rates to Kafue but roads were the responsibility of Lusaka City Council and the net result was a general lack of delivery as could be seen from the state of the potholed roads.

"While the Road Development Agency (RDA) is ready to receive applications for reinstatement, these are not coming either from Kafue or Lusaka. Donating some farm land for Linda extension took more than three years," said Zukas.

Labels: GARRY CHANDA, HEALTHCARE, KENNETH KAUNDA

posted by MrK @ 2:42 AM