NGO appeals to government for speedy licensing of elderly centre
What you need to know:
- The NGO dealing with social works has appealed to the government to speed up registration of its elderly care centre for it to start accommodating vulnerable elderly people
- It says it has been over 10 months since it applied for government license
Dar es Salaam. A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Tushikamane Pamoja Foundation has appealed to the government to speed up registration process of its Elderly Care Centre located at Kwembe in Ubungo Municipal in Dar es Salaam Region.
The plea was issued by the Chairperson of the foundation Ms Rose Mwapachu when she spoke to The Citizen during a ceremony organized by the foundation as part of commemoration of the International Day for the Elderly held at Kwembe in Ubungo Municipal on Saturday, October 6, 2018.
The commemorations are marked on October 1st every year.
According to her, the foundation has already submitted the requisite documents to the Ubungo Municipal for the registration, but since December last year, the government hasn’t completed the process.
"The construction of the centre is 100 percent complete, but we can't accommodate the elderly due to lack of license from the government," she said.
She added "They should inform us what went wrong during the registration process so that we can be aware and take immediate actions to make sure the process is successful,"
The NGO works as a bridge between communities and the public which aims to foster public participation through direct aids donations and participation in community projects.
Commenting further, Ms Mwapachu revealed that the Sh500 million facility has 12 bedrooms, offices, kitchen, among others,and is capable to accommodate over 50 elderly people.
During the event, Ms Mwapachu also mentioned shortage of water as a big challenge hitting the centre, appealing to the relevant government authorities to address the shortage.
"Currently we are using well water for domestic use. However,Sh13 million is required to purchase a water pump to ensure sustainable water supply at the centre"
At same occasion, the community service officer from Ubungo Municipal Ms Zainabu Masilamba stated"The Municipal is determined to continue supporting and cooperating with the stakeholders in establish initiatives that focus on addressing challenges facing elderly people,"
Ms Masilamba further expressed optimism that the facility once it is registered, would offer accommodation to vulnerable elderly people.
One of the elders who attended the event, Mr Rajabu Kondo, 67, a resident of kinondoni shamba applauded the foundation for establishing the facility, noting that it would offer shelter and other social services to homeless elders.
In attendance, the event was attended by the former East African Community Secretary General and CCM cadre, Ambassador Juma Mwapachu, Nigerian Ambassador to Tanzania, community service officers and select elders from various parts in the city.
