By Mast Reporter
TWELVE differently-abled and elderly residents of Serenje District in Central Province have received newly built houses as part of government’s social welfare programme.
Central Province permanent secretary Milner Mwanakampwe handed over the 12 houses to the jubilant beneficiaries at the weekend.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr Mwanakampwe said President Hakainde Hichilema was committed to uplifting vulnerable citizens from poverty through various initiatives such as providing them with decent shelter.
“The President is spending sleepless nights working to improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens,” he said.
Dr Mwanakampwe said Hichilema’s dedication was evident in the expansion of the Social Cash Transfer programme in Central Province, which has grown from 64,000 to over 200,000 beneficiaries.
The houses are part of a larger provincial allocation of 50 units distributed across four districts, Mkushi (12), Serenje (12), Ngabwe (13) and Luano (13) through the Social Welfare Department of the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.
Dr Mwanakampwe said the homes were specifically designated for the “poorest of the poor” and differently-abled individuals to ensure they had a safe and dignified place to live in.
He highlighted other achievements under President Hichilema’s administration, including the recruitment of 47,000 teachers in three years, surpassing previous governments’ employment records.
One of the beneficiaries, Samson Kunda, expressed gratitude for the government’s support.
“Not only have I received a wheelchair through the Social Welfare Office, but now I have a proper home. The UPND [United Party for National Development] government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, has shown that it truly cares about everyone,” Kunda said.
Chief Kabamba, speaking on behalf of his chiefdom, commended Hichilema’s development initiatives.
“What President Hichilema promised is being implemented in our district. We are witnessing real progress,” he said.
The handover ceremony concluded with donations of assorted household goods and food stuffs and assurance from officials that government would continue working closely with elderly citizens, women and youth to ensure inclusive development across the province.
