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The Deputy Head of Mission at the Irish Embassy Patrick McManus says the Irish government will continue to partner with Zambia in order to help the country to develop.
Mr McManus said the Irish government has a part to play in helping the Zambian government to achieve meaningful development among its people.
He said the Irish embassy is happy and takes recognizance of the positive strides that the government has put in place in trying to push the development agenda forward saying his country will support the government in all its national priorities.
Mr McManus observed that the Zambian government is doing very well in many respects especially in the area of poverty reduction saying his government will continue to stay in Zambia to help compliment such efforts.
The Irish envoy said unlike other donor countries that pulled out of the country, his mission in Zambia has and will continue to stay in partnership with Zambia in order to render financial support to the country through its cooperation program.
McManus said his mission was particularly pleased with the peaceful transition of power that saw Patriotic Front getting into government saying his mission will continue to render support and assistance to the government of the day.
The Deputy Head of mission further applauded Zambia for being open and clear on its fight against corruption saying his mission appreciates and fully supports President Michael Sata’s efforts that are aimed at completely eradicating the vice.
“Corruption is a big issue of course in Zambia as it is in many countries. The Zambia government is clear and open about this fight and us as donors we want to encourage and absolutely support the president’s stance on the fight,” he charged.
The Deputy Chief of Mission was speaking in Mazabuka yesterday when a team of Independent Audit Committee members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Ireland visited the district to audit various projects that have been funded under the Irish Aid.
He disclosed that the Irish government has set aside a total of Thirty million Euros to be used in a period of five years saying the money is aimed at implementing various developmental projects through out the country.
McManus disclosed that the money is part of a five year program circle that will run with effect from January 2013 and will support the Ministry of Education which he said is part of the main part of their support in an effort aimed at providing quality education especially to school children.
The team toured among other projects a community centre in Ndeke, a Gender based violence centre at Mazabuka District hospital, St Patrick’s community school and a tour of Ndeke Market and rural health centre.
And speaking when the team paid a courtesy call at his office, District Commissioner Eugene Munyama said government appreciates the continued support that the Irish government has to render to the Zambian people.
