Let’s revive Kabwata, Chilenje community halls - Lubinda
By LINDA SOKO TEMBO
KABWATA and Chilenje community halls should be used for intended purposes once they are rehabilitated, Kabwata Member of Parliament, Given Lubinda has said.
In an interview with Daily Nation, Mr Lubinda, who is also Justice Minister, expressed sadness to note that the facilities were not rehabilitated by the Lusaka City Council (LCC) despite the local authority renting them out.
“Lusaka city council collects user fees from people who are using the halls, churches conduct services there while private preschools also rent the premises but l don’t see any rehabilitation works taking place. These community halls were meant for community activities such as local meetings and recreation for young people,” he said.
He said once rehabilitation works are complete he would ensure that the facilities are used for the intended purpose.
“For a number of years the halls have been used during the week for nursery schools and over the weeks for church denying the youth’s recreation purposes.
Mr. Lubinda however pledged to ensure that rehabilitation of the facilities would commence so that they revert back to their original concept.
Mr Lubinda said once rehabilitated the community halls would be used for their intended purpose such as recreation activities for young people.
“After rehabilitation works l would like to make sure that no nursery school operates from there they should find appropriate schools were children can be taught and churches should find appropriate places where they can go and worship,” he said.
Mr Lubinda said it was up to LCC to inform their clients to vacate the halls because they were the ones who allowed them to operate.
Meanwhile a clergyman whose name has been withheld expressed disappointment over Mr Lubinda’s suggestion to stop church activities in the halls once rehabilitation works were complete.
“I find it very unfortunate that Mr Lubinda could say such sentiments because President Lungu was promoting prayer to come up with a statement to remove the church form using the community hall.
The clergyman said the church and government should not find themselves in conflict because they were promoting the welfare of the people.