Govt allocates K2 million for new State House, House of Prayer

Government has allocated K2 million for the commencement of construction works of a new State House building and a House of Prayer, in the 2019 national budget.

Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Ronald Chitotela disclosed this to Parliament, Wednesday, when he issued a Ministry policy statement.

“Government has deemed it necessary to construct a new State House building to ensure that the Head of State and staff operate in a safe and secure environment. In addition, construction of the House of Prayer will be prioritised. In this regard, a total of two million one hundred and fifty thousand kwacha (K2,150,000.00) has been allocated to facilitate commencement of works for the two projects,” Chitotela revealed.

And he disclosed that K628 million was collected from weigh bridges, inland toll stations and ports of entry between January and September, 2018.

“Further, the national road tolling programme continues to significantly contribute to road infrastructure rehabilitation and maintenance with a total of six hundred twenty eighty million, six hundred and sixteen thousand kwacha (K628,616,000.00) having been collected in the period January, 2018, to September, 2018, from weigh bridges, inland toll stations and ports of entry,” Chitotela said.

He further told Parliament that K11.8 million had been allocated for housing development in the 2019 budget.

“Access to adequate and affordable housing remains a key concern in Zambia. In this regard, the Ministry will continue construction of housing units not only in newly-created districts, but across the country. A total of eleven million eight hundred thousand kwacha (K11,800,000.00) has been allocated for housing development in the 2019 budget. Further, we plan to increase the supply of affordable housing by partnering with the private sector through public private partnerships (PPPs). The Ministry, in collaboration with partners, will also implement a programme to upgrade two shanty compounds in Lusaka to improve the quality of life of the people,” said Chitotela, adding that another total of K31.9 million had been allocated to complete infrastructure in new districts.

Source: News Diggers