UN secures US$7 million for opening of refugee center in Luapula

UN Country Representative Janet Rogan

UN Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan has disclosed that close to US$7 million has been secured from the Central Emergency Relief Fund in New York to facilitate for the opening of the Mantapala settlement Centre in Luapula province for refugees entering Zambia from the DRC.

Ms. Rogan has told Q-News that progress towards the opening of the Mantapala Settlement Centre has since been made and that the secured funding is being used to facilitate for the provision of water and sanitation, nutrition requirements, land demarcation among others.

She says this is in a bid to make the Settlement centre more habitable for the refugees.

Ms. Rogan says refuges are currently being transferred from the Kenani Transit Centre to Mantapala settlement Centre were the living conditions are better.

She explains that 70% of the refugees going to Mantapala settlement centre are vulnerable women and children who need more protection and humanitarian support.

And Ms Rogan has noted with concern the worrying indicators of poverty levels and stunting in children under five in Luapuala province.