ZAMBIA is in dire need of massive infrastructure in all sectors of the economy to build capacity for attracting of local and foreign investments.
With the Government already set to establish industrial clusters around the country, the issue of infrastructure is high on the country’s development agenda.
Infrastructure development is key to the growth of any given economy and its strength will determine the country’s capacity to enhance both urban and rural industrialisation.
This country has for a long time been grappling with challenges of infrastructure, which in most cases has hindered the expansion of economic development, especially in rural areas.
It is for this reason that the Government has issued two sovereign bonds to the tune of US$1.750 billion which has been earmarked for infrastructure development.
The move by the Government is a bold one and is expected to roll out positive results, especially in major road infrastructure development such as Pave Zambia 2000 and Link Zambia 8000.
Once these and many other projects are completed, Zambia will see a ray of hope in terms of local and foreign direct investments (FDIs) in rural areas which have in the past been hindered by a lack of
reliable infrastructure.
The recent upgrading of major roads, railway lines and airport facilities all point to the importance the Government attaches to infrastructure development.
Transport, Communications, Works and Supply Minister Yamfwa Mukanga was right when he mentioned that the development of infrastructure, especially at local level, is very important to the economic growth of a developing country like Zambia.
Mr Mukanga, who was commissioning a modern market and shops constructed by a Chinese firm, Changfa Resources Limited in Mufulira at the weekend, emphasised the Government’s need to improve the country’s infrastructure.
The country’s production sector urgently needs better infrastructure to match the Government’s efforts in infrastructural development.
These are some of its priorities aimed at growing the country’s economy in line with the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP).
Along with these capital projects come massive employment opportunities for hundreds of skilled and semi-skilled personnel, mostly the youth.
In addition, infrastructure development will help open up areas which are endowed with investment potential in mining, agriculture, tourism and construction.
The Government has already gone a step further by creating an enabling environment for attracting of investments in almost all sectors of the economy.
This is not only necessary for attracting investments but is also important for the creation of employment, and promoting small-scale businesses which can supply goods and services for the enhancement of such projects.
This is why it is important for the private sector to partner with the Government in ensuring that the foundation of this country’s infrastructure is firm to guarantee foreign investments that will in turn help to create jobs and improve the livelihoods of Zambian citizens through poverty reduction.