Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Zambia Green Jobs Programme, a partnership between the government of Zambia, the United Nations, and International Labour Organization among other partners says it will strive to ensure it promotes the creation of green and decent jobs through the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the building construction sector.
Speaking at a media breakfast in Lusaka today, Zambia Green Jobs Programme Junior professional Officer for Communication and Public Information, Helene Thor says the programme will enhance the productivity of MSMEs through better working conditions, while competitiveness and sustainability will be promoted through a shift towards greener business models that thrive as a result of using green building practices.
Ms. Thor notes that many challenges and opportunities exist in the construction sector and that there is also great potential for green job creation through MSME development citing the construction sector which has contributed 20% to Zambia’s GDP in the recent years.
She adds that the building construction sector is an excellent conduit for the creation of broad based wealth and jobs due to its high labour intensity, low entry barriers for semi skilled and unskilled labour and the large number of MSMEs.
Ms. Thor further states that the building construction sector can facilitate the reduction of green house gas emissions in the built environment through the promotion of local content and eco friendly building materials, services, goods and technologies.