• There is need for harmonization of the of the policy framework.
• Climate change impacts have continued to pose a huge cost to the treasury.
• Although the need for infrastructure maintenance is widely recognized, it has not been prioritized.

Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) has proposed Harmonization of policy framework for infrastructure maintenance for consideration by Government and other key stakeholders in order to attain climate change resilience and adaptive capacities on the various infrastructure in the country.

PMRC Acting Executive Director Sydney Mwamba noted that as the country develops an infrastructure policy through the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, there is need for harmonization of the of the policy framework guiding infrastructure maintenance of various sectors in the wake of climate change.

Mr. Mwamba stated that climate change impacts have continued to pose a huge cost to the treasury with regards to maintenance and rebuilding of infrastructure as a result of damages from heavy rainfall and rise in temperatures leading to loss in connectivity thus compromising access to essential services.

Mr. Mwamba had further noted that Policy and Monitoring Research Centre is also proposing for increased funding towards infrastructure maintenance.

He explained that although the need for infrastructure maintenance is widely recognized, it has not been prioritized by most developing countries, Zambia inclusive.

“This is evidenced by the worn-out state of most old infrastructure in Zambia and the current low budgetary allocation towards infrastructure maintenance,” the PMRC Executive Director said.

He said PMRC is of the view that with the creation of the infrastructure maintenance fund, enough resources will be realized to fund the various maintenance needs to reduce the vulnerability of the sector to impacts of climate change.