By Amos Sikaonga 
By Cecilia Chiluba
Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary has expressed disappointment over delayed completion of the K23. 7 million Munyeta boarding Secondary School project in Rufunsa district.
Joe Kalusa has since taken up the supervision of the construction of the World Bank funded project.
The school project, which is under the Zambia Education Enhancement Project (ZEEP) through the Ministry of Education, started in July 2024, and was expected to be completed in March 2025.
The project is expected to have five classrooms, 12 staff houses, school hall, a computer lab and a borehole
Speaking when he toured the community led project, Eng. Kalusa noted with sadness that the school which is already funded has not been completed within the stipulated period of 8 months.
“There is no need for the project to delay further in completion, as similar projects in other five districts of the province are way ahead,” Eng. Kalusa said.
The Permanent Secretary, who later met the local committee leading the project, said Government’s free education policy has to go side-by-side with proper supporting infrastructure.
He expressed disappointment with the pace of the project despite the funding being readily available.
“We have seen the gaps and we will deal with them. I will ensure I supervise the project. You will see good things coming to this project,” he said.
And Lusaka Province Education Officer, Terry Changwe also expressed disappointment at the delayed works.
He said going forward, works are expected to speed up because President Hakainde Hichilema has placed a high premium on education.
“We will not let the government down, come next year the children here should be suing this boarding school,” Mr Changwe assured.
Meanwhile, Rufunsa Council Chairperson Kennedy Mailoni, who was also part of the entourage inspecting works, said President Hichilema is keen on education and all projects in the sector have to move faster.
“Measures will be put in place to ensure the project moves quicker,” Mr. Mailoni said.
And Rufunsa District Commissioner Richard Mabena was also not happy with pace of the project.
This is according to a statement issued by
Lusaka Provincial Administration, Principal Public Relations Officer, Logic Lukwanda.
Cecilia Chiluba