By Mubanga Mubanga
Nkana independent member of parliament (MP) Binwell Mpundu says the K23 million that the government has released for the rehabilitation of university of Zambia (UNZA) means nothing to the UNZA student who died.
Speaking in an interview, Mpundu said the K23 million that has been released by the government was welcome but came too late, because the student had already died.
“For almost five years now, what did they do? They ignored our calls. Because at least we would have avoided the situation we have now, that we are even losing lives. So, the UPND now, can not claim to come anywhere close to caring for the students. Because, they neglected the institution to a point where now, we have lost a life. The K23 million that has been released by the President is welcome,” Mpundu said. “But, it has come a little too late. Because what does refurbished hostels mean to a child like Emmanuel who is already dead? So, yes they have released money for rehabilitation of the hostels, but they have only been pushed because students couldn’t stomach it anymore. They had to go to the streets. They have rushed now, because now, we have lost a student. So, they have done the worst in regard to addressing this problem.”
Mpundu said the government should not blame the management of UNZA for the poor sanitation, because management did not have adequate money to address the situation at the country’s highest learning institution.
“So what will see them do is the blame game. They will blame each one and everyone. Because it is usual for the UPND not to take responsibility. Because, you know very well that the student management may not have enough resources to overhaul,” Mpundu said. “Because what is needed at UNZA is a complete overhaul of the sanitation situation there. And the resources cannot be adequate at the hands of UNZA.”
Mpundu said he had been vindicated over the poor sanitation at UNZA, because when he raised the issue in parliament, UPND chose to play politics with what he raised.
”Fortunately, l have been vindicated on the issues that l have been raising. Because, between you and me, l have been raising genuine concerns. Because every matter l raise comes from the real ground. It comes from the people. Look at what is happening today? The government is regretting having turned indeni into an OMC,” said Mpundu. “ Didn’t l speak to that? I have been speaking over the issue of student welfare and they have mocked me. They have ended up chasing me out of parliament. Here we are. We have ended up losing a life because those in leadership with executive power decided to mock me, decided to play politics, because they ignored the need to provide leadership.”
