Lungu pledges close ties with Church

Sun, 25 Feb 2018 09:36:41 +0000

By SIMON MUNTEMBA

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has reaffirmed his government’s commitment towards engaging the church on governance matters.

The President has meanwhile donated 1, 200 bags of cement towards the construction of the multi-purpose hall at Lusaka’s Kamwala Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ).

Speaking after a fundraising walk at RCZ Kamwala congregation in Lusaka yesterday, President Lungu said his government will continue to support works aimed at advancing the work of God.

He said only those who are not believers would question Government’s association with the church.

President Lungu, who took time to quote some bible verses reaffirmed government’s commitment to engaging the church on governance matters.

“Let me reaffirm my government’s commitment to engaging the church on governance matters.

“There is need for close collaboration among us as we endeavour to foster national development for the benefit of our country. After all we serve the same constituency, the people of Zambia,” President Lungu said.

He said there was need for the church to provide guidance and offer prayers to God on behalf of both the church and political leaders as the bible encourages.

President Lungu, who together with the first lady, Esther Lungu raised K27, 481 during the fundraising walk also donated 1, 200 bags of cement towards the same project.

Mr Lungu called for personal sacrifice from leaders in RCZ and ordinary members for the project to succeed.

The President was accompanied by the first lady, Esther Lungu, Justice Minister Given Lubinda and his counterpart Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili.

Others were Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo, Lusaka mayor Wilson Kalumba and other senior government officials.

Meanwhile, some ministers, senior government officials and well-wishers made various donations towards the project while others pledged support.

Notable donations were those made by Dr Chilufya, who donated K100, 000, Mr Lusambo K50, 000 and Rev. Sumaili donated K20, 000.

And speaking on behalf of the church, RCZ secretary general Reverend William Zulu thanked President Lungu and the ministers for the gestures.

Rev. Zulu said the church was grateful for President Lungu and his ministers for finding time to take part in the walk fundraising despite their busy schedule.

He explained that a total of K15, 781, 062.37 was the budget to complete the building of a multi-purpose hall and since the commencement of the project, the congregation has paid K1, 808, 187.45 to the contractor.