The construction of a new market bus station and the rehabilitation of an ablution block in Nchelenge District, Luapula Province, at a cost of K2.5 million, have been completed.

Nchelenge Town Council Director of Human Resource, Kanyanta Mpundu, said the facilities were implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development under the World Bank-funded Zambia Devolution Support Programme (ZDSP).

Mr Mpundu explained that the project, which began in September last year, aims to improve community mobility and enhance orderliness in the market and bus station.

He noted that the previous ablution block was in a deplorable state, posing health risks, hence the urgency of the project

“This project is twofold. We have a bus station as well as an ablution block. Previously this place used to be a sorry sight. It was a breeding place for different diseases due to how it was. But through the government and World Bank, this project has been implemented,” he said.

Mr Mpundu emphasized that the project is now 100 percent complete and will soon be handed over to the community, urging residents to safeguard the infrastructure.

“I want to appeal to our people to guard this facility with jealousy. Just look at the amount of money that has been spent here. It’s a lot. So this infrastructure should be protected by all means,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the traders, Justine Kasonde, expressed gratitude to government and the World Bank for providing modern facilities that have transformed the market environment.

“The old toilet was pathetic. But now we are able to enter the toilet without putting on shoes. We can even eat and bathe from there now. We thank the World Bank and President Hakainde Hichilema for this development.