Government calls on churches in Eastern Province to partner with it in fostering development in the region.

Government has called on churches in Eastern Province to partner with it in fostering development in the region.
Newly appointed provincial permanent secretary, Emmanuel Mwamda, says that churches are better placed to help in matters of development, as they have full understanding of problems faced by the community.
Mr. Mwamba said this when he paid a courtesy call on Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop for Chipata Diocese, Benjamin Phiri.
The permanent secretary also said that government has realised that it can succeed in the fight against corruption, if churches fully participate in the fight.
Mr. Mwamba further called on churches to help in resolving conflicts that arise between out grower companies and farmers, especially in cotton farming.
Mr. Mwamba appealed to churches to help him in ensuring that the out grower scheme becomes more effective.
And Bishop Phiri said that the church is ready to work with government in bringing development in the country.
He also said that government should be consulting the church whenever a priest says something against it.
Bishop Phiri therefore, asked government to quicken the process of returning Father Viature Banyangandora to Zambia.