Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, Kennedy Kalunga has warned that delays in procurement processes for the construction of Early Childhood Hubs and Satellite Centers under the Zambia Enhancing Early Learning (ZEEL) Project could result in the loss of project funds.
Mr Kalunga said the Ministry of Education has until June 30, 2026, to complete procurement processes for the construction of 110 Early Childhood Hubs and 112 Satellite Centers in 45 districts across the country.
Speaking when called on Central Province Permanent Secretary, Milner Mwanakampwe, Mr Kalunga stressed the need for technocrats to urgently address all outstanding issues that could delay procurement before the June 30 deadline.
“The technocrats have to ensure that all procurements are done before the funds are mopped up on June 30,” Mr Kalunga said.
Mr Kalunga, who is on a tour of selected project sites under the Global Partnership for Education (GPE)-supported initiative, with the World Bank serving as the fund manager, said the project is aimed at strengthening early childhood education in the country.
He noted that Ngabwe District is the only one in Central Province benefiting from the initiative as the project targets vulnerable and underserved districts.
“This is because the project is targeting vulnerable districts,” he said.
And Dr Mwanakampwe said the government recognises the critical role early childhood education plays in the formative development of learners.
He said this is why the government has prioritised the construction of Early Childhood Hubs and Satellite Centers to expand access to quality early learning opportunities.
Dr Mwanakampwe further commended cooperating partners for supporting the government’s strategic efforts to improve access to early childhood education in rural and underserved communities.
He expressed confidence that the project will enhance learning outcomes among young children in the targeted areas.
