Urban Centres Planned for Rural Areas
By Wilson Mulinda
Government says it will engage China Jiangsu to develop urban centres in rural areas, especially in regions with increasing mining, agriculture, and tourism activities.
Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Permanent Secretary ALBERT MALAMA says the collaboration can utilise the model of Economic Zones.
Speaking when China Jiangsu International Economic Technical Cooperation Group President SONG QINBO paid a courtesy call on him, Prof. MALAMA said government wants to partner with global industry leaders to also address the housing deficit in Zambia.
He says the prefabricated housing production plant being established by China Jiangsu in collaboration with the National Housing Authority, will provide affordable housing options and boost the country’s construction technology sector.
Prof. MALAMA says China Jiangsu has delivered key infrastructure projects in Zambia, and its capacity gives confidence that the housing solution will meet the required standards of quality, cost-efficiency, and timely delivery.
Meanwhile, Mr. SONG assured his company’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s housing sector, announcing that the prefabrication plant would adopt low-carbon technology, new materials, and environmentally friendly construction practices.
He said China Jiangsu is ready to engage in future infrastructure development projects with the government and looks forward to commissioning the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone factory soon.
This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development Principal Public Relations Officer FRANCESCA PHIRI.
