Kafue Gorge Lower Community Development Company Limited (KGLCDC) has invested approximately K24.62 million in education infrastructure, traditional and cultural facilities, as well as road works in Nkomeshya Chiefdom, Chongwe district, to improve learning conditions and support community development.
Of this amount, K5.03 million has been allocated to school facilities, with Lubansa Primary School receiving a 1×2 classroom block, 50 standard desks and solar power at a cost of approximately K1.47 million, while similar facilities at Kutemwa ndi Kusamala Primary School represent an investment of about K1.64 million.The works at Kutemwa ndi Kusamala also include renovating an existing classroom structure and upgrading a hand pump to a solar-powered borehole.
Further, four feeding shelters constructed at Chinkuli, Chasha, Kalimasenga and Mwalubemba primary schools have attracted a combined investment of approximately K1.92 million and will serve 4,042 learners across the Chiefdom, to support school feeding programmes and improve the learning environment.
Speaking during the handover of the completed projects at Lubansa Primary School in Chongwe, ZESCO Limited Managing Director and Board Chairperson of KGLCDC Eng. Justin Loongo, said the investment forms part of efforts to improve community welfare and strengthen relations with host communities.
Eng. Loongo, who was represented by ZESCO Deputy Director Fixed Assets Shezipe Nzovu, noted that the investments respond to different community priorities while supporting a common purpose, which is better conditions for learning, stronger community institutions and the preservation of cultural heritage.
“Kafue Gorge Lower Community Development Company Limited provides a platform through which we can work with communities to identify needs and organise appropriate support. Our approach requires close coordination with the royal establishment, government departments, school authorities and other development partners,” he added.
And KGL Chief Executive Officer Eng. Manaku Malozo acknowledged the contributions of KGLCDC management and staff, contractors, community representatives and education authorities in implementing the projects.
He urged school authorities to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities and responsible management of the installed equipment. “We encourage school authorities to identify responsible custodians, maintain the facilities regularly and ensure that electrical and solar equipment is attended to by qualified personnel,” Eng. Maloza said.
He also thanked Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II for her guidance and continued cooperation, expressing hope that the facilities would be put to effective use for the benefit of learners.
Speaking earlier, KGLPDC General Manager, Aden Nkandela stated that the projects marked the beginning of a series of development initiatives planned for host communities in the years to come.
He said the initiatives were designed to improve learning conditions while promoting access to water, environmental sustainability and community development through partnerships involving traditional leadership, government departments, schools, private businesses and local communities. “We are particularly proud to gather here as partners in development to mark just the beginning of a series of development initiatives across the commercial shifting over the next 10 years,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senior Dr. Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II, who was represented by Prince Kabwata, said the investment would improve the learning environment for pupils and teachers.
She expressed appreciation for the construction of classroom blocks, provision of desks and installation of solar power at Lubansa and Kutemwa ndi Kusamala schools, as well as renovations and water supply improvements at Kutemwa ndi Kusamala, while also acknowledging the construction of feeding shelters at Chinkuli, Kalimasenga, Chasha and Mwalubemba schools.
“We have heard the call to take ownership of these facilities, and we accept that responsibility,” She stated.
The Traditional Leader encouraged learners to attend school, respect their teachers and take care of school property, adding that the chiefdom was ready to work with other partners committed to improving education for present and future generations.
