Vice-President Inonge Wina has launched Save Lives Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation aimed at promoting good health, social economic development and sustainability for the disadvantaged people in Zambia.

In a speech read on her behalf by Minister of Community Development and Social Welfare Emerine Kabanshi at the colourful launch yesterday, Wina said the foundation had come at a time when government was actualizing its vision of making Zambia a prosperous middle income country by the year 2030.

She expressed confidence that the Foundation would become a role model in being accountable and transparent to the beneficiaries in order to truly save the Zambian people.

“Government has put in place a framework for developing this country with a clear vision of creating a prosperous and middle income country by the year 2030. While 2030 is still a long way to go, we can create prosperity in the days, weeks, months and years ahead by providing fresh and good water, food at the tables of our people, medicine for those who are sick, education for children of school going age, care for the many orphans and so many people who are in need. Our pursuit in our time is to address poverty and vulnerability. Therefore, I am glad to note that Zambia Save Lives Foundation has drawn us together to address this agenda. I am confident that the Save Lives Foundation will become a role model in being accountable and transparent to the beneficiaries in their operations in order to truly save our people,” said Vice-President Wina.

Meanwhile, Save Lives Foundation chief executive officer Younus Essa said the foundation would also build markets for traders.

“The Save Lives Foundation is focused on promoting health, social economic development and sustainability of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Zambia. This organisation will also help in building highway markets, boreholes and toilets for the roadside sellers. During the past five years, we have witnessed an increasing fatality rate near the roadside by various commuters. This initiative will help protect the sellers engaging with the public and provide a safe way of selling their products near the roadside with proper parking facilities,” said Essa.

“The foundation will also support various projects such as procuring sewing machines for widows, sinking boreholes in various districts, providing wheel chairs and supporting orphanages and old aged homes with blankets, bed sheets and also procuring of educational materials for underprivileged as well as other projects in Zambia.”

At the launch, Save Lives Foundation donated three boreholes and five wheelchairs to Chilubi, Mandevu and Munali constituencies and ministers of Community Development, Lands as well as Higher Education; Emerine Kabanshi, Jean Kapata and Nkandu Luo respectively, were at hand to receive the donations allocated to their respective constituencies.

The event which was held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka was embellished by Kaur Fashions designer Varinder Kaur Virdy who showcased some of her fashion exhibitions; Indian Sarees and other outfits made from chitenge material.