In a bid to address the persistent issues of floods, communicable diseases, poor sanitation, and inadequate access to safe water in Kanyama constituency, the government, through the Ministry of Local Government, has released funds for a comprehensive upgrade of the area. Kanyama, which is particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks during the rainy season due to its inadequate infrastructure, will benefit from this substantial investment.
The Ministry has launched an urban upgrading program that will include the construction of a new drainage system, drilling of boreholes, and installation of water treatment systems, among other improvements in Kanyama.
Nicholas Phiri, the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Local Government, announced that 117,000 short-term jobs will be created in Kanyama under the “Cash for Work” program, set to commence on September 1. The government has already allocated K68.5 million for this initiative.
The Lusaka City Council (LCC) and other local authorities in affected districts will implement the program. Workers engaged in the project will receive a daily wage of K60 for a 10-day work period each month, providing financial relief to households impacted by recent droughts.
“It makes economic and social sense to prioritize Lusaka, as it often becomes the epicenter of communicable disease outbreaks, particularly cholera,” Phiri explained.
The “Cash for Work” program will operate alongside the Urban Upgrading Program, for which an additional K100 million has been allocated. Of this, K56 million will be used to construct approximately 10 kilometers of drainage, including major projects like the Lady Diana, Kalusha Bwalya, and 70-70 drainages.
Phiri also noted that residents whose properties are affected by these construction activities will be resettled and compensated, with K5 million earmarked for resettlement efforts, managed by the Vice President’s office under the Department of Resettlement.