Getting roughed up in the bunch

Well, Malcolm thinks he could have been in prison!!!

On Wednesday he discovered that the claim against the Hospital for non-payment of NSSF (a bit like National Insurance) was going to be reviewed by the Magistrate on Thursday. NSSF are the hospital’s largest creditor of over Tsh 100 million (about £45,000) going back to 2006. The Hospital was represented by the Diocese Finance Officer, Mr Chizelema and Malcolm went as well to show the Hospital’s concern.

The good news is that the claim currently put to court by NSSF was for about Tsh 15 million for 3 months to February 2007 – far less than Malcolm was anticipating but still more than he has available in the Hospital accounts. The bad news is that the Magistrate was clearly becoming annoyed by the Hospital and was ready to issue his sentence which could be a hefty fine and/or prison sentence. However, he will formally hear the evidence on 30th September and then issue his verdict so we have a few weeks to see what we can negotiate with NSSF. If we can sort out the Tsh 15 million we then have to sort out the rest.

Irene is quite excited – she’s heard that the prisoners make some attractive mats for sale to the public and can’t wait to buy one of Malcolm’s!!!!

Malcolm then had an informal discussion with a Tax Inspector to find out what an appropriate response would be to last weeks assessment of Tsh 55 million of unpaid PAYE. Fortunately he confirmed that the best approach would be to write to the Commissioner setting out the Hospital’s position and ask that some, if not all, the debt could be written off – it may not be successful but its worth a try – anyone any good at writing begging letters?

Following that Malcolm visited the dentist to have a bridge replaced again – what a day!!!

Irene’s week has been comparably quiet and relaxing. On Saturday she visited Dodoma to get some desperately needed cash out of an ATM machine. She also went to a cathedral service to say goodbye to a German pharmacist who had worked in Dodoma for several years, Irene ended up singing in the choir. Whilst there she had a quick word with the Bishop who said he knew what we would be doing next………

At work she has been making curtains and table cloths for the offices. This has worked out nicely for Malcolm who has reorganised his office to achieve the ‘no mess on the desk’ look at the end of the day – something he surprisingly achieved in England in the past couple of years – however it does carry the risk that people think you have no work to do.

On Friday Irene was so bored that she even came to help fill in some tax returns for employees.

Two of the chickens have moved on; one deliberately and one unfortunately.

For the past 2 weeks there has been a bit of a battle between a hen (known as hen A) who has wanted to save and sit on eggs, and the others who we believe want to eat the eggs. It now seems that our temporary glut of eggs was because hen A was successful in saving them. However, more recently the others, led by hen B, have been attacking hen A (heavy pecking to the face) to try to get the eggs.

To save bloodshed – and because of a soft spot for a hens mothering instincts, Irene managed to arrange a separate cage for hen A. (Which has meant no eggs as the others are now free to eat their own). She also decided to save the cockerel this week and cull hen B – a sort of retribution.
Unfortunately, soon after culling hen B, hen A passed away.

A tragic tale of love and war.

(Postscript - update from hen B to her fans. Rumours of her death are premature, though she is not feeling well and was hiding)

What new experiences will next week bring:
- the planned visit to Mheza Hospital is now scheduled for Thursday or Friday,

- still waiting (yet again) for more shelving so Irene can complete filing the medical Records
- Malcolm to report to the Hospital Managers on the result of the Magistrates hearing and the need to reach some agreement with NSSF
- Prepare to meet the Bishop to discuss whether to return next year, (or whether we will be invited to return)