By Doreen Chembe

Lusaka Mayor, Miles Sampa has urged organisations and individuals donating towards COVID-19 fight through the Lusaka City Council(LCC) to avoid taking their donations directly to Council facilities such as markets.

Sampa said Councils have  established procedure of first documenting all donations at Civic Centre before distributing them to needy areas.

He emphasised that the procedure is meant to ensure accountability of all donated materials to the Council in line with Government guidelines.

Sampa was speaking when he received, on behalf of LCC, assorted cleaning materials donated by BAPS Charities, a Hindu religious organisation based in Rhodes Park.

“As a city father, I’m non partisan or selective and so,  I’m free to receive donations on behalf of the people of the city from any organisation/individuals  but procedure should be followed to ensure accountability of all donated materials,” he emphasised.

Sampa said it was a happy moment for him to receive the donation from BAPS Charities on behalf of LCC and the people of Lusaka.

He said what BAPS charities had exhibited  was a clear demonstration of  President  Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s call for everyone to get involved in the fight against the spread of Coronavirus.

Sampa said COVID-19 knows no race, creed, colour, religious or political affiliation hence the need for everyone to get involved in the fight.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today we are witnessing the seriousness that this Hindu religious group attaches to the fight against Coronavirus in the city,” he said.

He said the donation would go a long way in boosting the work of Lusaka City Council towards the fight against COVID-19.

“Your donation is equally in safe hands and will be channelled towards the intended purpose through Councillors as quickly as possible,” he assured.