GOVERNMENT has projected that Zambia will experience a housing deficit of over a 3 million units by 2030.
Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo said at the national housing policy provincial consultative conference in Chipata yesterday that Zambia’s population would be in excess of 23 million by 2030 adding that the country would experience housing deficit of over 3 million units if no major interventions were put in place.
Mr Kasolo who was represented by Chipata District Commissioner Kalunga Zulu said there was need for robust policy guidelines that would help the country avoid the deficit.
“It is estimated that Zambia’s population will be in excess of 23 million by 2030 and we will experience housing deficit of over 3 million units if no major interventions are put in place,” he said.
He said the economic and social potentials of the urban areas have generated strong forces for rural -urban migration which was outstripping the capacities of local authorities to deliver land and basic services for housing development.
He said the situation has resulted in proliferation of slums and squatter settlements.
Mr Kasolo said Zambian Government recognises the huge challenges faced in providing affordable housing for all.
“We are all aware that the housing challenges are expected to grow even more if we do not put our heads together to plan and strategise on how to deal with it,” he said.
He also said the financial realities have denied Zambians the life they deserve and have trapped a large proportion of the people into abject poverty.
He said with limited access to mortgages and other housing financial products, most Zambian households were unable to participate in the delivery of decent shelter.
Mr Kasolo said Zambia needs clear strategies on how to finance the huge housing deficit now and in future.
Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) Consultant Dr Emmanuel Mutale said the construction of over 120,000 per year was the only solution to avoid housing deficit.
The president has already told you , he has no vision. How do you expect him to see that far…2030. The is no leadership in this country
This is the problem of having cadres in high civil service jobs. Kasolo should be articulating what govt is doing or going to do in order to address the housing issue. Now he is busy sounding like another political leader from the ruling party. PS should be a technocrat giving policy advise on how to address issues and no highlighting the problem as is the case above.
by the way, PF supporter, when we say govt to address the housing problem. It does not mean the govt building all the 3 million housing units. This is what results in starting huge projects on empty pocket contrary to the more money in the pockets slogan. The govt should put policies in place which will allow the private sector to participate effectively and individual to participate too. For instance redesign or re-engineer the land is allocated and issue guidance on the type of housing, inclining to high raise flats as opposed the current type of house which are in the majority occupying so much land. Issue of land economics should come in. Wooo, forgot that is is pf being advised here…..
People need to wake up now
SO WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT DOING ABOUT THE ISSUE? ANY CIVILISED GOVERNMENT IN THE WORLD WOULD ALSO OFFER THE PLANNED SOLUTION TO THE ISSUE INSTEAD OF JUST SEATING THEIR ASSES THERE AND WAIT FOR 2030
Slums and squatter settlements need to be demolished and upgraded. We are in the 21st century to be seeing slums and squatter settlements in the middle of the city. What a backward nation.
There is no way a caring government can sit and watch its citizens live in such an environment.
Constructing of housing units have been left to individuals to build houses. The little they earn is being spent to compete with those who have money to put up a shelter, moreover corrupt individuals who are stealing company money or tax payers money are constructing mansions with corruptly acquired plots. The foolish government can´t even fund the local authority so that they build affordable accommodation for the poor.
National Housing Authority has failed us.
When it comes to big issues like this, the Heritage Party clearly stand heads and shoulders above the rest in terms of VISION.
The Heritage Party’s village concept is the easiest to understand among all parties and provides a better model for balanced development between rural and urban areas in our Country. Among other things, most western Countries have used this concept over the years to get to where they are today, and as such there is a seamless joint between rural and urban in infrastructure and services.
For instance, I live in a village in UK along with the majority of the UK population, and easily commute to work. The design of the buildings, tarred roads, security, health services etc…are as good as in the urban centers, and if anything more spacious. Industrial Areas….
Cont’d … Industrial Areas are not restricted to urban centers, but evenly spread in villages too. Such a model for Zambia would answer urban drift, shanty township, cholera, etc we face. And it makes it easier for a Country to make a case in getting funding from big money lenders like ADB, EU, World Bank etc.. in many many ways.
So the long term solution is NOT just rapid construction of 120,000 houses per year in urban Areas as Mr Kasolo and Dr Mutale are saying in this article. The solution is having a well thought out, and time-tested approach and VISION like The Heritage Party’s Vision. I challenge anyone opposed to Heritage Party’s to come up with credible mature points. Needless to say there will be none, other than the usual detours from the main topic.
The Heritage Party indeed has a sound plan on village concept. Thats a Party to Support in 2016.
Where does the decifit stand as at now? Such estimates must be based on what is happening at hand.To me,this is hot air.
Its a good move to ensure workable policy guidelines are in place to avoid housing shortages. On the other hand my worry is whether proportionate plans are under way to sustain such infrastructure with provision of quality service Provision such as water and sewerage. Copperbelt towns water supply is mainly drawn from Kafue river who’s levels are low & worrying in the dry season Sept-Oct . What measures are the water utility companies putting in place to ensure that as housing units are being build in mass, they have proportional support of such dear service such as water? Food for thought?
I am always amazed by people who see issues as problems as opposed to opportunities. Yes, I would like to see a conducive environment for investment and sanity in terms of land allocation. But for me, three million units is an opportunity for the market to set in and fill the gap. Please stop at once just looking at the government to come up with solutions. Be creative and seize the opportunities. This mentality of only thinking within the box must stop if we want to develop. Most of the reforms in the so called developed countries did not come from the state but individual citizens. From the Rockefeller’s of this world to the Carnage’s to the Gate’s. Zambians, let us embrace the markets and for once use it to develop ourselves and our country.
I am always amazed by people who see issues as problems as opposed to opportunities. Yes, I would like to see a conducive environment for investment and sanity in terms of land allocation. But for me, three million units is an opportunity for the market to set in and fill the gap. Please stop at once just looking at the government to come up with solutions. Be creative and seize the opportunities. This mentality of only thinking within the box must stop if we want to develop. Most of the reforms in the so called developed countries did not come from the state but individual citizens. From the Rockefeller’s of this world to the Carnage’s to the Gate’s. Zambians, let us embrace the market and for once use it to develop ourselves and our country.
Comment: ok am glad the government has an idea of what may arise by 2030. Though on a demographic perspective that’s not the case. Please, this article does not really bring out what is actually on the ground and what may arise by 2030. The 3million is a lie its over 3million.