Zambia Observations

The rains continue to fall and they are now creating real concern. In the southern region there is significant flooding and the President has declared a disaster area. Of course, the people who suffer the most in these situations are the poor for they have few resources. Likewise, the infrastructures of the roads and bridges have not been maintained and so they create havoc as well. In Lusaka, the greatest problems are located in the compounds where the latrines overflow and the pathways turn to mud.

The uncle of Winnie Nkhata, the parish administrator, died this past week. He was the sole provider for an extended family who lived in his six-room dwelling in the compounds. Winnie said that the house had been built over time, however the rooms had very little light or ventilation. The uncle worked as a security guard and had a monthly salary of $50 to support over eight people. When Winnie arrived at the home, they had nothing other than salt. No charcoal, no candles and no food. Sadly, this is the working poor who have so little.