The United Nations Development Programme and the Zambia National Service have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of infrastructure valued at about K33.3 million at Meheba resettlement scheme in North-Western Province and Mayukwayukwa in Western Province.

This is under phase two of the Development of Infrastructure for Displaced Persons and their Host Communities Project, a partnership between UNDP and the government, funded by the Japanese government, through JICA.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative James Wakiaga disclosed that the MoU will see the construction of a Day Secondary school and three fully mechanised one-hectare irrigation schemes at Mayukwayukwa.

Dr Wakiaga added that works will also include rehabilitation of a Clinic and construction of an incinerator at Meheba resettlement scheme, to improve access to health services for displaced persons and their host communities.

“UNDP fully endorses this recommendation, recognizing the Zambia National Service proven capacity to deliver complex infrastructure works on time, to standard, and with strong accountability, not only under this project but across several national initiatives,” Dr Wakiaga said.

Witnessing the ceremony, Permanent Secretary for Resettlement Division in the Office of the Vice President Mavis Nkomeshya, stated that the project is in line with the government’s development agenda.

And JICA Zambia Chief Representative, Tomoko Ono reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to supporting the Zambian government in improving the livelihoods of displaced persons and their host communities at Meheba and Mayukwayukwa.