LUSAKA - The Ministry of Education has pledged to construct ablution blocks at all nine schools where the Let's Build Foundation has built classroom blocks, saying sanitation facilities are essential to completing the education infrastructure.
Speaking during the handover of 45 classrooms, 17 classroom blocks, and 2,250 desks and chairs to nine secondary schools in Lusaka Province at Dean Robert Secondary School, Permanent Secretary for Administration Noriana Muneku said Government would complement the foundation's efforts by providing toilets at the schools.
Ms. Muneku commended the Let's Build Foundation for supporting the Government's education agenda, saying the new facilities would help reduce classroom congestion, improve teaching and learning conditions, and create a better environment for both learners and teachers.
She announced that the Ministry had already instructed its infrastructure department to begin constructing ablution blocks, with Dean Robert Secondary School set to be the first beneficiary.
"I don't just talk, I believe in what I do. Come next month we have to begin this work. We have to move step by step," she said.
Ms. Muneku further revealed that, once ongoing projects are completed, the foundation will have delivered 155 classrooms and 7,750 desks to 32 secondary schools across Lusaka Province within two and a half years.
She noted that the implementation of the Free Education Policy, which later became law, has significantly increased demand for classroom space, particularly at secondary school level, making partnerships with private organisations essential in expanding education infrastructure.
The Permanent Secretary also urged school authorities to safeguard and properly maintain the new facilities to ensure they continue benefiting future generations.
Meanwhile, Let's Build Foundation Country Director Ngosa Zulu said the project is valued at K63 million, covering classroom construction, 2,250 student desks and chairs, as well as staff furniture.
Ms. Zulu said the organisation remains committed to improving access to quality secondary education through modern learning infrastructure. Since 2024, the foundation has constructed 119 classrooms, benefiting more than 12,000 learners, while another 36 classrooms are currently under construction and are expected to be completed by November 2026.
Beneficiaries from Chaisa Secondary School and Dean Robert Secondary School thanked both the Government and the Let's Build Foundation for the new classroom blocks. However, they appealed for additional classrooms, citing continued congestion in older school buildings.
Source: Kalemba
By: Elizabeth Muchape