East PS commends Catholic church

East PS commends Catholic church

Chipata, September 25,2014, ZANIS… Eastern province Permanent secretary Chileshe Mulenga has commended the church for the role that it plays in supplementing government’s effort in the provision of social needs to the people.

Dr Mulenga stated that the church has been consistent in the delivery of quality education and health services to the people in the Eastern province.

Dr Mulenga said this when Apostolic Nuncio Julio Marrat who is the Catholic Popes Ambassador for Zambia and Malawi paid a courtesy call on him at his office this morning.

The PS particularly praised the Catholic Church for putting up the DMI St Eugene University in Chipata district.

He noted that government was happy to have a university run by the Catholic church and that it was the first of its kind in the region adding that he was hopeful that the knowledge imparted on the students will be in consistency with the high quality of education associated with the Church.

He however expressed concern that land has been a problem for the University to construct a campus within Chipata because most of the state land has been exhausted.

Dr Chileshe however stated that land could be found if the institution does mind to build away from Chipata town as it could be sourced from traditional leaders in the district.

“If they are willing to have a campus constructed from away from Chipata the offer is still on the table, Provincial administration will source from the chief”,  he stressed.

Dr Chileshe also appreciated the Catholic Church for its consistency in general shepherding and also reminding those in leadership of their responsibility.

Dr. Mulenga stated that the counsel from the Bishops has always been helpful though sometimes they do not agree but that this was expected in a democratic society.

He said government however appreciates the counsel that comes from the church especially that it has been there right from the colonial time tolerating different beliefs so that it is constantly appreciated.

He also appreciated the Catholic run Radio Maria for being the first community radio station to be established in Chipata district for the role that it has continued to play in educating and informing the people.

And Apostolic Nuncio Julio Marrat said the Catholic Church has different duties to perform in the society but that it will always work with the government to serve thecommunities.

He said the church strives to impart spiritual knowledge and also

supplement in the provision of social services such as education and health care to all the masses regardless of the religious belief.