Unhygienic Orphanage conditions irk Minister

Gender and Child Development deputy minister Dorothy Kazunga has expressed disappointment at the poor state of hygiene at Kilelabalanda orphanage in Solwezi.

Ms Kazunga who toured the orphanage in Solwezi today said she is not impressed with the hygienic status of the orphanage.

ZANIS reports that under normal circumstances, the premises could even be condemned to be closed because it fails to meet the prescribed requirements.

Ms Kazunga said while government appreciated the efforts the Orphanage was making in taking care of the vulnerable children, the orphans need to be kept and grow in a healthy environment.

She has since advised the management at the Orphanage to make some improvements and ensure that children are kept in a better and healthy atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Ms Kazunga has called on the business community, political parties and other community members to offer support to orphanages so that vulnerable children do not feel neglected.

Speaking earlier, Kilelabalanda Orphanage Manager, Gladys Mwanza, said the organisation is facing some challenges because all their income generating projects are not operational.

She however commended government through the Ministry of Gender and Child Development for assisting the orphanage with K10,000 which they used to purchase food, school accessories for the children and paid school .

Ms Mwanza said part of the money was also used to carry out some maintenance works at the Orphanage.

Kilelabalanda orphanage which was initiated by elderly women has a total of 30 children comprising 16 girls and 14 boys.

Photo Credit – ktkarlfreeman