LUSAKA - The Ministry of Education has pledged to construct ablution blocks at all nine secondary schools where the Let's Build Foundation has built classroom blocks, saying the learning infrastructure is incomplete without adequate sanitation facilities.
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, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Administration Noriana Muneku said the Government would complement the foundation's investment by providing toilet facilities.
Ms. Muneku commended the Let's Build Foundation for supporting the Government's education agenda, saying the new infrastructure would help reduce classroom congestion, improve teaching and learning conditions, and provide a better environment for both learners and teachers.
She also 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 Free Education Policy, which has since been enacted into law, has significantly increased demand for classroom space, particularly at secondary school level, making partnerships with organisations such as the Let's Build Foundation essential in expanding access to education.
The Permanent Secretary also urged school authorities to properly maintain the new infrastructure to ensure it serves future generations.
Meanwhile, Let's Build Foundation Country Director Ngosa Zulu said the education project is valued at K63 million, including the provision of 2,250 student desks and chairs as well as staff furniture.
Ms. Zulu said the foundation is committed to improving access to quality secondary education through the construction of modern learning facilities.
She added that since 2024, the foundation has built 119 classrooms benefiting approximately 12,000 learners, while another 36 classrooms are currently under construction and expected to be completed by November 2026.
Learners from Chaisa Secondary School and Dean Robert Secondary School expressed gratitude to both the Government and the Let's Build Foundation for the new classroom blocks.
However, they appealed for additional classrooms to be constructed, saying some learners would continue using older, overcrowded classrooms despite the new infrastructure.
Source: Kalemba | By: Elizabeth Muchape