Govt allocates K100 million to urban upgrading programme in Lusaka

The government has allocated K100 million to launch an urban upgrading program in Lusaka, targeting areas with extensive unplanned settlements to prevent communicable diseases like cholera.

Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Nicholas Phiri, announced the initiative at a press briefing in Lusaka on Wednesday, stating that the programme would begin in Kanyama Constituency due to its vulnerability to cholera outbreaks.

“We have decided to start with areas that are at high risk of cholera spread,” Phiri said.

He further mentioned that part of the program includes the construction of the 4km Kalusha Bwalya drainage, with over K21 million allocated to the project.

“This has been contracted to the Zambia National Service,” he added.

Phiri also noted that the government is considering a third drainage system as part of the strategic plan.

“Another strategic drainage is the 70/70 road drainage, where we have prioritized a section of 400 meters,” he said.

Additionally, Phiri said that K33 million had been allocated to water infrastructure improvements.

“Beyond drainage, we have also allocated K33 million towards water works,” he stated.

He further announced that over K5 million had been set aside for resettlement and compensation efforts to be managed by the Department of Resettlement. “No one will be victimized,” Phiri said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.