Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi says government is expected to develop about 220,000 housing units per year from the current estimated 1.5 million to about 3.3 million by 2030.
Mr Milupi also says the government is in a hurry to reduce the housing deficit in the country as housing is an essential basic human right, critical for the wellbeing of all citizens.
He noted that in an effort to reduce the housing deficit, government through the National Housing Authority (NHA) in partnership with China Jiangsu International Economic Technical Cooperation Corporation Zambia Limited (CJI), is establishing a plant that will manufacture reinforced panels not only for housing but for schools, hospitals and other infrastructure.
“This will significantly reduce the time taken to construct infrastructure, cut the construction costs and deliver quality environmentally friendly infrastructure,” he added.
ZANIS reports that the Minister was speaking today at the groundbreaking ceremony of the US$10 million National Shelter Zambia Limited Prefabricated Housing Plant project in the Lusaka South Multi- Facility Economic Zone (LS-MFEZ).
He said the project will create employment opportunities and also serve as a hub for skills development and technology transfer.
He pointed out that the establishment of the plant is a testament that collaboration of government institutions with the private sector can yield transformative results.
The Minister also directed the project managers to procure required materials locally and use local contractors.
Speaking at the same event, NHA Board Chairperson, Nalukui Milapo said the establishment of the National Shelter Limited joint venture company follows the signing of a joint venture agreement on June 14, 2024 between NHA and CJI.
Dr Milapo explained that the primary purpose of the National Shelter Zambia Limited is to construct and establish a prefabricated green housing production plant in order to provide mass, decent and low cost housing units in various districts across the country.
She noted that by leveraging the strength of both the public and private sector, NHA and its partners are poised to revolutionize the housing landscape and bring homeownership within reach of more Zambians.
And LS-MFEZ Chief Executive Officer, Mwiza Museteka said the LS-MFEZ has become a vibrant hub of economic activities adding that the housing Plant will become the seventeenth company in the LS-MFEZ under construction and that it will contribute to the strengthening of the economy.
Mr Museteka however, appealed to government to consider paving the remaining 150 kilometers of road in the LS-MFEZ.
Meanwhile, CJI Managing Director, Wang Shulin said the collaboration with NHA is truly a formidable partnership to provide decent accommodation.
“This project is aimed at providing affordable, easy and fast installation with solar power,” he said.
Mr Wang also said the project will provide an estimated 200 temporary jobs and 50 permanent jobs once the plant is fully operational.
He further said the project will prioritise the employment of people in Kafue district.
He also thanked government for its unwavering support.
