The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development will next year, 2019 undertake a national housing Census.

Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Ronald Chitotela says the national housing Census will be conducted in collaboration with the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The Minister says the housing census will be aimed at establishing the current needs and requirements of accommodation in the country.

Mr. Chitotela says the information will assist in monitoring housing developments and also establish housing deficit in Zambia.

He says the census will also enable both the public and private sector to adequately participate in provision of housing in the country.

“We want to know the exact number and type of houses in the country so that we know our latest deficit and requirement. Once we have this data we shall be able to plan adequately knowing where need is and where we just need to improve.’’ Mr. Chitotela has said.

Mr. Chitotela added that in an effort to address the housing deficit in the country his Ministry has embarked on slum upgrading in Lusaka.

“The slum upgrading in the capital city is being done in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and other stake holders such as Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company and the power utility company, ZESCO.” Mr. Chitotela explained.

He says a committee has been put in place to look into the matter of slum upgrading and it is being supervised by Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development and Local Government.

The Minister added that Misisi, Kuku, Chibolya, Bauleni and Kanyama settlements have been proposed for upgrading so that residential areas are well planned with all social amenities.

He also added that in regards to slum upgrading, a comprehensive Urban Renewal is expected once the preliminary activities are done.

The Minister further said in view of this his Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with various stake holders.

He said pre and actual feasibility studies for the slum upgrade or renewal is expected to be carried out at no cost at by a Romanian company, Rio- Aid by the end of this year.

This is contained in a statement issued to the media by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development Public Relations Officer Jeff Banda.