• There is need for a functioning foundation for a successful community.
• SDG9 stresses the need to have linkages and systems that will ensure the business environment is not affected.
• Businesses under Lusaka Chamber of Commerce contribute significantly to GDP.

Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for the construction of environmentally friendly infrastructure in order to foster sustainable development.
Speaking during a radio program on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG9) Chamber Committee Member Chisebwe Fumbeshi said every infrastructure being constructed in the country should be centered on a functioning foundation for a sustainable community.
Mr. Fumbeshi stated that according to the Chamber’s understanding, SDG number 9 stresses the need to have linkages, coordination and systems that will ensure that the business environment is not affected.
He further said the country must ensure that businesses are profitable while protecting the environment in which they operate.
“We need development, we need innovation. Whatever method of construction when it comes to infrastructure our understanding is that we need a functioning foundation for a successful community. The Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry interprets Sustainable Goal number 9 that we need to have linkages, we need to have coordination, we need to have systems that are put in place to ensure that even if we are progressing as businesses, the environment should not be affected.”
“We need to ensure that even when we do the roads, when we do the rail lines, the environment should be protected. We should be environmentally friendly even as we give out businesses,” Mr. Fumbeshi said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Fumbeshi noted that businesses under the Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry contribute a significant amount to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Our businesses contribute quite a huge amount to the GDP. Yes some of our members’ businesses have been closed because of Covid-19 but we have saved a lot of businesses. There are so many products that are coming on the market now in Zambia. You find that some of the products that were being imported, can be found locally. I think it’s a great achievement because when you look at the amount of money that is being sent currently or was being spent when it comes to importation, the Chamber has been key to make sure that we look at how we can have these products locally,” he added.
Sustainable Development Goal number 9 focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.