Zambian Government to construct over 400 houses in Chongwe

Deputy Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Richard Taima says the project is progressing well with over 40 housing units at roof level, six completed and 60 at different stages.
“The project has so far created 350 jobs and is expected to add more as 90 percent of materials used for the project is sourced from local suppliers,” he said.
Mr Taima disclosed this during a tour of the project in Chongwe on Tuesday.
He said Government is determined to provide affordable housing to better the lives of people across the country.
“At the moment we are facing a shortage of housing in the country. what Government is aiming at is to better the lives of our citizens. We want to provide shelter to our people,” Mr Taima said.
He said the provision of decent housing is in line with Governments policy to create jobs and wealth for citizens and putting more money in people’s pockets.
The housing project comprise  two, three and four-bedroom houses at a cost of between KR368,000 for the low cost and KR720,000 for the high cost.
He said apart from the houses, the project will also be a full-fledged complex involving a road network, commercial centre, police post and recreation centres among others facilities. .
“We are very sure and confident that they will finish the project before the end of this year. I just want to call on the public to show interest and support the project as it comes with many incentives,” he said.
Meanwhile ZDA and Henan Guoji Development Company have started negotiations with the University of Zambia on the possibility of developing a similar project for the institution.
Mr Taima said the institution is planning to provide  100 hectares of land for the project.
He said discussions are also in place with Mukuba Pension Scheme to replicate the same project.
Mr Taima urged the firm to spread its presence to other parts of the country particularly in North Western Province where the mining industry is booming to help reduce the crisis of housing.