GOVERNMENT HANDS OVER 190 NEW HOUSES TO ZAMBIA ARMY

 GOVERNMENT HANDS OVER 190 NEW HOUSES TO ZAMBIA ARMY

By: Augustine Kapambwe

Government has handed over 190 newly constructed and fully furnished housing units to the Zambia Army at Kenneth David Kaunda Barracks in Chongwe District as part of efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel and address the housing shortage in the defence sector.

The houses, comprising 10 high-cost, 62 medium-cost and 118 low-cost units, were officially handed over by the Ministry of Defence after being constructed by Zhongmei Engineering Group.

The project is aimed at providing decent accommodation for both commissioned and non-commissioned officers.

Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu said the completion of the housing project marks another milestone in government's commitment to improving the living conditions of members of the defence force.

Mr Haamaundu said the new houses will help reduce the accommodation deficit affecting military personnel, adding that more than 600 additional housing units are nearing completion at Buffalo Park Barracks in Lusaka's Chalala area.

He said the water and sewerage infrastructure being developed for the project will also benefit surrounding communities, including Chalala and Chilenje.

Mr Haamaundu said government remains committed to providing modern housing for men and women in uniform to enhance their welfare and boost morale as they safeguard the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele has welcomed the development, describing the provision of quality housing as a significant boost to troop morale and a key step towards building a modern military force.

A speech delivered on his behalf by Brigadier General Maybin Muyanga said the housing project aligns with the Army's vision of modernising military infrastructure and improving the welfare of personnel.

And Zhongmei Engineering Group Project Manager Ye Xinjin said the company successfully completed the project on schedule through close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development.

Mr Ye said the company will continue maintaining the houses even after handing them over to the Zambia Army.

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