By CNCS Staff Reporter, Mansa CNCS Hub

The Sisters of Mercy have opened a new business hub in Mansa to generate income for the congregation while bringing commercial services closer to residents.

The Sisters of Mercy Superior General, Sr. Delphine Kalisha, said the facility would also create employment opportunities and provide space for women to develop their businesses.

Speaking during the official opening of the Sisters of Mercy Hub (SOM Hub) in Mansa, Sr. Kalisha said the facility was established in response to the needs of families and businesses in the area.

She said the hub would reduce the burden and expense of travelling to major urban centres to access specialised services.

“For years, families across Mansa faced the demanding burden and expense of travelling long distances to major urban centres simply to access specialised healthcare, eye care and modern commercial services,” Sr. Kalisha said.

The facility is being leased to commercial partners, including Vision Care, Mobile City and Dynalab, which will provide services from the hub.

Sr. Kalisha said income generated from the facility would help sustain the congregation’s charitable outreach in the region.

She said the businesses operating from the hub would also create employment opportunities for local people, including young adults, mothers and fathers.

“Through these jobs, mothers, fathers and young adults will be empowered to earn a dignified living,” she said.

Sr. Kalisha said the hub would also support women entrepreneurs by providing space for them to establish and grow their businesses.

“When a woman succeeds in business, her entire family and community are lifted up with her,” she said.

She urged businesses operating from the facility to conduct their activities with honesty, kindness and social responsibility.

Sr. Kalisha said the construction of the facility had faced financial and operational challenges but the Sisters of Mercy remained committed to maintaining the original design and quality standards.

She thanked the contractor, neighbours and other supporters for their contribution to the project, saying neighbouring residents helped safeguard the construction site and reported issues that required attention.

She also acknowledged the support of the Bishop of Mansa during the development of the project.

Meanwhile, Sr. Sylvia Chiluba said the new facility was a significant development for Mansa and could encourage further investment in the town.

“It is small but state-of-the-art. It has raised the flag for Mansa town,” Sr. Sylvia said.

She said the development should encourage others to maintain infrastructure and contribute to further development in the town.

And community member Martha Kabamba, who attended the opening, said the facility was an encouragement to women and demonstrated the potential for modern infrastructure in Mansa.

Ms. Kabamba said the development should also promote clean, green and healthy surroundings.