By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia is facing an estimated housing deficit of 1.5 million units, highlighting the urgent need for increased investment in affordable housing across the country.
Speaking at a media briefing, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Professor Albert Malama, said the shortage remains a major national challenge.
Prof. Malama, who was represented by Ministry’s Director Dennis Kasonde, said based on the country’s estimated population of 23 million people, Zambia requires about 4.6 million housing units to adequately accommodate citizens.
“The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development has estimated that the shortage of dwelling house accommodation is approximately 1.5 million,” he said.
He explained that with the current shortfall, only 67.4 percent of citizens are properly accommodated.
“This means that 32.6 percent of citizens are squatting in other people’s homes living as dependants or they are living in structures which do not qualify to be recognised as dwelling houses by international standards,” Prof. Malama noted.
Prof. Malama added that the Government recognizes housing as a human right in line with United Nations (UN) protocols and remains committed to creating an environment that supports housing development.
“The Government of the Republic of Zambia remains firmly committed to creating an environment in which Zambian businesses can grow and in which Zambian investors have meaningful opportunities to participate in that growth. We want to see more Zambian entrepreneurs building businesses of scale,” he added.
He further noted that private sector participation would be key in addressing the deficit, especially through innovative financing and property development initiatives.
The Permanent Secretary urged continued collaboration between government, investors and developers to accelerate the delivery of quality and affordable housing nationwide.
“We want to see more Zambian households owning shares in the companies that shape their communities. And we want to see our capital markets serve as the bridge between those two ambitions,” Prof. Malama stressed.
