admin
to avert the risk of an outbreak of cholera and typhoid in urban areas.
The Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, Dr Ignatius Chombo last month appealed to the Minister of Labour and Social Services Minister Paurina Mpariwa for assistance. Minister Mparirwa then asked NSSA to avail a $15 million line of credit to local authorities facing difficulties in providing sustainable service delivery.
In a statement, NSSA public relations consultant Mr Mike Hamilton said NSSA was responding to the urgency of the appeal, in view of the concerns expressed by Dr Chombo.
“Dr Chombo expressed concern over the threat of serious cholera and typhoid outbreaks during the rainy season and in December last year, NSSA provided Metbank with an initial $5 million for on-lending to local authorities,” said Mr Hamilton.
“The remaining $10 million will be made available over a period of two months, that is, January and February 2013. Metbank will coordinate the allocation of this amount to other banks.”
Mr Hamilton said the funds to be disbursed this month and February this year, would attract a seven percent interest per annum and the loans would be repaid over 360 days.
“Measures mentioned by Dr Chombo needed to be put in place to avert the dangers and risks arising from an outbreak of cholera and typhoid and this includes the provision by local authorities of adequate clean and safe drinking water, regular collection of refuse, treatment of waste dumps and proper waste management.
“The Minister also mentioned the need for preventive health care measures such as public awareness programmes, early detection, control of diseases and the provision of adequate and accessible medicines,” said Mr Hamilton.
NSSA general manager Mr James Matiza reiterated the need to provide finance for local authorities, saying NSSA had taken into consideration the urgency of the appeal from Dr Chombo.
“We found it important to provide finance to enable local authorities to work towards the prevention of typhoid and this was also supported by the Ministry of Labour and Social Services, which is NSSA’s parent ministry.
“As NSSA, we took into consideration the dire consequences that an outbreak of typhoid or cholera in urban residential areas could have on the country’s urban population,” said Mr Matiza.
Online Reporter