The National Assembly of Zambia is undergoing major rehabilitation and expansion works to accommodate the increased number of Members of Parliament (MPs) and ensure that the members operate in a conducive environment. Clerk of the National Assembly Loveness Mayaka says the…

The National Assembly of Zambia  is undergoing major rehabilitation and expansion works to accommodate the increased number of Members of Parliament (MPs) and ensure that the members operate in a conducive environment.

Clerk of the National Assembly Loveness Mayaka says the works are part of preparations for the commencement of the First Session of the 14th National Assembly.

Ms Mayaka said this in Lusaka today during a media briefing on the preparedness of the National Assembly for the new parliament.

She said the reforms, provided for under the Constitution of Zambia Amendment Act No. 13 of 2025, have resulted in changes to the electoral system and increased representation of women, youth and persons with disabilities.

She explained that the National Assembly has undertaken extensive preparations in infrastructure, systems and processes to accommodate the increased membership and effectively support 280 MPs in discharging their constitutional mandate.

She said the preparations have focused on four key areas, namely infrastructure, physical accessibility, sensory and communication facilities, and administrative support and staff awareness.

She explained that the interventions are aimed not only at accommodating the increased number of MPs from 167 to 280, but also at strengthening parliament’s capacity to operate as a modern, inclusive, accessible and effective institution.

She said the Chamber has been expanded to provide an additional 113 seats, while Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment has also been installed and upgraded.

The Clerk stated that the National Assembly has also established facilities to support the 70 newly created constituencies, with most of the facilities already operational.

Ms Mayaka said the transition comes at an important time in the development of Zambia’s democracy, following constitutional and electoral reforms undertaken during the 13th National Assembly.

She said the Assembly has further installed and commissioned conference systems in the chamber and committee rooms to enhance the performance of parliamentary functions.

She said renovations are also underway at the Members’ Motel, including expansion of the restaurant and kitchen, renovation of the laundry and refurbishment of rooms to improve accessibility for members with disabilities.

Ms Mayaka further said additional offices have been constructed on the eastern side of the Chamber to address the shortage of office space, additionally new water tank has also been installed to strengthen water security at the institution to make them accessible to persons with disabilities.

She said the institution is further strengthening sensory and communication facilities to ensure that members with visual, hearing and speech impairments can participate fully in parliamentary proceedings.

Ms Mayaka said the National Assembly has strengthened the provision of sign language interpretation and introduced braille facilities and signage to improve access to information.

She said the procurement of a braille machine, which will facilitate the production of reading materials in Braille, is at an advanced stage.

And Ms Mayaka disclosed that plans are underway for the construction of a new parliament building in the near future to accommodate up to 500 parliamentarians.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Director Public and International Relations Anthony Mpolokoso led the media personnel touring some newly constructed works, disclosing that a local contractor was engaged to do the renovation and expansion works at the National Assembly of Zambia.