The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Office of the Vice President have signed a 5.9 million United States dollar grant for the improvement of infrastructure and access to social services for displaced people at Mwayukwayukwa and Maheba resettlements.

This will be implemented under the second phase of a project dubbed ‘The Development of Basic Infrastructure in Settlements for the Displaced Persons and their Host Communities’ which will run from 2025 to 2027.

Speaking shortly before witnessing the signing ceremony, Vice President Mutale Nalumango disclosed that about 2600 plots were allocated to both Zambians and former Refugees in the first phase of the project called the Sustainable Development Program’ which ran from 2017 to 2023.

She also noted that 2000 households were provided with clean and safe water while 18.5 Kilometers of roads were improved, 10 crossing points constructed and two play parks established.

She further revealed that 18 standard staff houses were also constructed for government workers, a model that the government wants to replicate in different parts of the Country.

Ms Nalumango has noted with pleasure that the second phase of the project focuses on increasing access to Health, Education, and agricultural services in order to promote resilience among beneficiaries in Mwayukwayukwa and Maheba.

“By 2028, there should be 800 households with more than just clean and safe water but also water for irrigation, thereby contributing to the government’s agenda of boosting climate resilience and food security in the Country.” The Vice President said.

She has since thanked the government of Japan as well as UNDP for supporting the government’s efforts to integrate displaced persons, adding that the project addresses developmental challenges in resettlements.

Speaking at the same event, Japanese Ambassador, Takeuchi Kazuyuki said his Country is pleased to contribute to Zambia’s continued efforts to accommodate displaced persons.

He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to ease pressure on host communities and enhancing resilience among displaced persons through its Humanitarian Development Peace Access approach.

UNDP Resident Representative James Wakiaga has pledged to contribute to meeting the targets of Zambia’s 8th National Development Plan by helping promote resilience and sustainability among displaced persons and host communities, in the wake of climate change.

“I wish to assure that you have the continued support of the U. N. We reinstate our commitment to work closely with the government of Japan to support the Zambian government in ensuring sustainability and resilience in its development agenda.” He pledged.