Solwezi urgenty needs affordable houses

North-western province Minister, Dawson Kafwaya, says there is need to accelerate construction of decent and affordable housing units that will suit the prevailing economic activities taking place in Solwezi district.

Mr Kafwaya says despite the massive investment the district has received in the last few years, there has not been corresponding
investment in housing units.He says this is why institutions such as the Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS) are key in the provision of mortgage financing that will enable local people build befitting housing units.

Mr Kafwaya has urged the Zambia National Building Society to step up its awareness campaign and provide the much-needed information on how
locals can access the mortgages that will enable them participate in  the development process of the town.

He said this yesterday during the launch of the refurbished Zambia National Building Society Solwezi branch and the salary advance
product.
Mr Kafwaya als called on women in Solwezi to take advantage of the introduction of the women’s mortgage promotion and access funds to
construct houses.
Speaking earlier, Bank of Zambia Northern region Director, Fabian Hara,said the refurbished branch should not only enable ZNBS clients
receive financial services in a comfortable environment but also enhanced efficiency in service delivery.
And Zambia National Building Society Managing Director, Joseph Chikolwa, said the ZNBS Solwezi branch has been refurbished at a cost of over K
1 million.

Mr Chikolwa said before the refurbishment, it was difficult to efficiently serve the over 5,000 customers who hold different types of
accounts at the Solwezi branch due to inadequate space.He said his institution will continue giving jobs to local contractors provided they continue delivering to the institution’s expectations.

Mr Chikolwa disclosed that since the salary advance was rolled over six months ago, Solwezi branch has disbursed over 1,400 salary
advances to its customers and was hopeful that the figure will triple by the end of the financial year in March 2016.

He encouraged customers to access the facility and avoid exorbitant loans commonly known as “Kaloba.”