SINAZONGWE

The Referral Centre Services in this district were suspended on the 23^rd of May 2005 because of lack of operational funds.

Unpaid rentals and volunteer allowances which DPEC feared would become impossible to pay in the present financial malaise if the volunteers continued to work under the same agreement.

The volunteers felt this move was detrimental to the Organization, they further complained that they were not consulted and did not share the same view with DPEC.

This matter was discussed at length and the following were the resolutions;

• The Referral Centre will be opened after meeting to be held between DPEC and Volunteers.

• Once opened the Volunteers will provide their services without any demand on DPEC to pay them when they do not have the money but to wait until such time when funds become available.

• DPEC will write letters of commitment to the two landlords so that operations continue uninterrupted.

DPEC COMPOSITION

DPEC Meetings

Meetings of DPEC are not regular because of distance between Sinazongwe and Maamba; the cost for one to travel from Maamba to Sinazongwe is K20, 000.00 round trip.

Meetings used to be held in the past when Police funds lasted but when it could no longer sustain them this stopped. 

Decisions are mostly made by a few DPEC members living in Siavonga the others become informed of any developments.

This scenario has caused DPEC to think of opening one Centre in Maamba but use the same computer for processing data.

It was also learned that this district is only recording VCT referrals and not any other cases even when these other cases are successful. The reason for this was said Volunteers were advised to record VCT referrals only. This was reversed. 

Rentals and Volunteer Allowances

This is not paid since March 2005; both allowances and rentals have not been paid. Sinazongwe has four Volunteers.

Resource Mobilization

It was reported that this district lost a chance to access funds from SHARE due to irregularities in holding DPEC meetings. At the time of the visit they had started the process of proposal writing to CRAIDS.

The computer was put out for fund raising.

Partners

• The Hospital and the VCT Centres

• Social welfare

• FBOs

• DATF

World Vision is working in the area but does not participate in SINGO activities because of the interfaith concept.

 DISTRICT REPORTS