• Low funding has subsequently led to the deterioration of the existing infrastructure.
• PMRC proposes harmonization of the policy framework for infrastructure maintenance.
• This should be done to facilitate for timely execution of maintenance activities in Zambia.

Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) has called for increased funding towards infrastructure maintenance in order to attain climate change resilience and adaptive capacities in the country.
Organization Acting Executive Director Sydney Mwamba told Money FM News that the low funding levels have led to the deterioration of the existing infrastructure especially roads and bridges.
Mr. Mwamba noted that Zambia is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, and its sustained development is dependent on a well-functioning infrastructure sector.
He said although the need for infrastructure maintenance is widely recognized, it has not been prioritized by most developing countries, including Zambia.
“The status of the low funding has subsequently led to the deterioration of the existing infrastructure especially roads and bridges leading to their vulnerability to impacts of climate change especially flooding. PMRC is of the view that with the creation of infrastructure maintenance fund, enough resources will be realized to fund various maintenance needs to reduce the vulnerability of the sector to impacts of climate change,” Mr. Mwamba stated.
He further advised government to harmonize the policy framework guiding the infrastructure maintenance of the various sectors in light of climate change in order to facilitate for timely execution of maintenance activities in the country.
“In order to attain climate change resilience and adaptive capacities in various infrastructure in the country, PMRC proposes the following policy measures for consideration by government and other key stakeholders. Firstly, harmonization of the policy framework for infrastructure maintenance.”
“As the country develops an infrastructure policy through the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, there is need for harmonization of the policy framework guiding the infrastructure maintenance of the various sectors in the face of climate change. It is therefore important that the harmonization of the policy framework for maintenance of infrastructure is done to facilitate for timely execution of maintenance activities in Zambia,” he said.