SENIOR Chief Kanong’esha of the Lunda in Mwinilunga has warned men in the chiefdom of stern action if they fail to support their spouses in matters of maternal health.
The traditional leader said men who would fail to take their expectant wives to deliver from a health facility would be fined K200.
He said this when he addressed his subjects in Ntambu Sachitolu area on maternal health.
Further, a K50 fine would be slapped on women who would not abide by the health guidelines pertaining to maternal health services.
Senior Chief Kanongesha said he was ready to fine perpetrators to discourage the risk of women giving birth from home.
“I am aware that Government does not charge for such services but these are my laws and I am ready to implement them at any cost,” he said.
Senior Chief Kanongesha said giving birth at home was a risk for expectant mothers, adding that the use of unsafe herbs, and unorthodox procedures to induce labour could cause death of both the mother and the unborn child.
He also warned perpetrators of violence against women of stern action and wondered how any normal man could raise his fist against his wife.
“How can you surely punch your wife? If you feel that you have a lot of energy enrol with a boxing stable so that you can perhaps one day meet and fight Catherine or Esther Phiri in the boxing ring,” Senior Chief Kanongesha said.
Meanwhile, District Commissioner Arnot Mapulanga called on residents to adhere to health guidelines aimed at combating Covid-19.
Mr Mapulanga said masking up, washing hands regularly with soap and clean water, avoiding non-essential travels and keeping social distancing were a sure way to stop the virus from spreading.
Mr Mapulanga during the meeting distributed face masks, hand sanitisers and hand washing soap to all the villagers.
– ZANIS.
