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Government says it is committed to providing for the needs of the vulnerable people such as the elderly, orphans and children.
Minister of Community Development Mother and Child Health Emerine Kabanshi said as people grow older, their capacity to earn an income diminishes.
Ms Kabanshi was speaking at a handover ceremony of beddings worth K57, 000 by Sun International Hotel to Maramba old people’s home in Livingstone today.
She observed that older persons are one of the most disadvantaged in many societies due to poverty, diseases and homelessness adding that they also suffer discrimination due to suspicions of witchcraft.
Ms Kabanshi explained that the Ministry of Community Development under the department of social welfare runs old people’s homes in Livingstone and Chibolya old people’s home in Mufulira in order to meet the growing demand of institutional care for old people.
Ms Kabanshi said the problem of vulnerability in the country needs concerted efforts and that it is critical that more organizations realize the responsibility of providing support to the vulnerable people instead of relying on government alone.
She said it was gratifying that Sun International Hotel decided to make the donation to the Maramba old people’s home adding that the gesture will go a long way in providing the much needed comfort to them.
Ms Kabanshi said government will always remain grateful to organizations both local and international that complement its efforts.
She added that Sun International Hotel contributes to the welfare of the Livingstone community by being a large employer in addition to its corporate social investments initiatives.
She noted that Maramba is home to 45 older persons and the donations by Sun International Hotel has come at a better time when Zambia is commemorating the Golden Jubilee to which most of the elderly at the center contributed immensely.
Earlier, Sun International Hotel Commercial Manager Ferdinand Strydom said since 2001, his organization has been involved in over 50 projects in health, agriculture, environment, education and economic empowerment among other things.
Mr Strydom said the Hotel was proud to plough back to the community it serves as part of its corporate social investment programme.
And Humphrey Chileshe who is In-charge of Maramba Old People’s home said there is need for corporating partners to come on board and help renovate the building for the aged in the area.
Mr Chileshe outlined various challenges faced by the older persons at the institution ranging from physical and medical complications among others things.
Meanwhile, Zambia Postal Services Corporation (ZAMPOST) yesterday donated food staffs and assorted groceries worth K5 000 to Maramba old people’s home as part of the country’s Independence Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Southern Province ZAMPOST area Manager Musa Kashimu said ZAMPOST decided to give back to the vulnerable people in society instead of doing a match past as the trend in previous commemorations of World Post Day.
