President Hichilema implores newly appointed Ministers
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SportsPresident Hakainde Hichilema has directed the newly sworn-in ministers of Transport and Logistics and Housing to accelerate infrastructure development and improve access to affordable housing. Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of Charles Milupi and Christopher Kalila,…
President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the newly sworn-in ministers of Transport and Logistics and Housing to accelerate infrastructure development and improve access to affordable housing.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of Charles Milupi and Christopher Kalila, President Hichilema said the two ministries were critical institutions that will support the grow Zambia Agenda and should deliver tangible results.
He urged the two ministers to ensure that bureaucratic procedures did not delay the implementation of key infrastructure projects.
On transport and logistics, President Hichilema called for accelerated development of railway networks and economic corridors to facilitate the movement of goods, reduce pressure on roads and stimulate investment.
“We need to move beyond discussions about infrastructure projects and focus on implementation,” he said.
“These are functional areas for delivery, investment to fulfil the Grow Zambia Agenda,” Mr Hichilema said.
President also highlighted the importance of developing the Tanzania -Zambia Railways (TAZARA) and other rail links to facilitate the transportation of heavy cargo.
He said improved railway infrastructure would help reduce damage to roads caused by heavy vehicles while enhancing the efficiency of cargo transportation.
President Hichilema further called for progress on railway rehabilitation and the development of transport corridors, urging the new minister to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that planned projects moved forward without unnecessary delays.
On housing, President Hichilema called for measures to address unplanned settlements and improve access to affordable homes.
He directed the Ministry of Housing to work with local authorities to ensure that residential areas were properly planned, with designated roads and appropriate infrastructure before construction began.
He said Zambia could not continue allowing settlements to develop without proper road networks and essential services, warning that such conditions could make it difficult for ambulances and garbage collection vehicles to access communities.
He said local authorities needed to ensure that new residential developments complied with planning standards and that existing settlements were progressively improved.
President Hichilema also called for standardised housing designs to help control construction costs and ensure that public resources were used efficiently.
He said government housing programmes should provide practical and affordable homes suited to the needs of public service workers and other citizens.
The President further called for improvements in housing finance and mortgage systems, saying properly structured housing schemes could allow public officers to access homes without having to spend excessive time overseeing construction.
Transport and Logistics Minister, Charles Milupi said transport was central to all economic activities and pledged his ministry’s commitment to advancing the objectives of the Grow Zambia Agenda by ensuring the efficient movement of goods and services.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Housing Minister, Dr Christopher Kalila thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for entrusting him with the role, describing housing as a key driver of economic development.
He said access to quality, affordable housing with essential amenities would enable communities to thrive.
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