Govt working towards realizing the national housing policy of 2020

Ministry of infrastructure, housing and urban development acting permanent secretary Doreen Matambo says the new government is working towards realizing the national housing policy of 2020 and the national lands policy of 2021 whose main goal is to alleviate housing poverty and provide adequate housing for all income groups especially for the socially excluded.

Ms. Matambo  says the 7TH National Development Plan 7NDP was built on the premise of not leaving anyone behind, however, its implementation did not do enough to alleviate housing poverty.

She is however, optimistic  that 8TH National Development Plan will not only contribute to providing policy direction towards land and housing issues but will relentless in its implementation to better the lives of all Zambians.

Speaking during the Kenneth Kaunda memorial build event in Lusaka’s linda compound by Habitat for humanity Zambia, Ms. Matambo as Zambia works towards achieving sustainable development goals, special attention is drawn towards achieving sustainable development goal number 11 which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

She says this is because SDG 11 has a significant impact on the standard of living for the majority of Zambians.

Habitat for humanity Zambia is constructing a three roomed housing unity for a 78 years old woman Evelina Tembo of Linda compound in Lusaka, who is currently living with her two grandchildren in a dilapidated mud house with no windows and a roof that leaks during the rainy season.

And speaking earlier at the same event Habitat for humanity Zambia board vice chairperson Dr. Maureen Mwanawasa says the annual Kenneth Kaunda memorial build event is aimed at drawing the participation of various corporate partners in the alleviation of housing poverty through the construction of housing units for vulnerable members of society.

Dr. Mwanawasa says Kenneth Kaunda was instrumental in the establishment of habitat for humanity Zambia in 1984, as he played a crucial role in facilitating the first habitat for humanity Zambia housing project termed Tiyende pamodzi that benefited 93 families with decent shelter.

Meanwhile Habitat for humanity Zambia national director Mathabo Makuta disclosed that Evelina Tembo  lives in absolute poverty with no source of livelihood, and depends on her grandchildren for financial and material support.

Ms. Makuta says Dr. Kaunda’s vision of reducing housing poverty especially among the most vulnerable such as the aged and people living with disabilities is being realized.