Habitat for Humanity Zambia says the country faces a housing deficit of 1.5 million which is projected to double by 2030.
Organization Acting National Director Ruth Mitimingi told Money FM News that the housing deficit has been worsened by high poverty levels as about 64 percent of the national population lives below 2 US Dollars a day.
“About 70 percent of the Zambian population lives in peri-urban areas due to rapid urbanization. Zambia is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa. The country faces a housing deficit of 1.5 million projected to double by 2030 if left unchecked,” Ms. Mitimingi stated.
Ms. Mitimingi noted that with about a decade to go to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, affordable and decent shelter should be at the heart of policy makers, civil society organizations and the private sectors plans.
Meanwhile, Ms. Mitimingi disclosed that Habitat for Humanity Zambia has launched the Homes, Communities, Hope plus You fundraising campaign aimed at reaching more vulnerable people living in unplanned settlements with decent shelter in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has affected each one of us leaving housing as one of the front-lines defense against the disease. More than ever before, housing has become more important in the fight against Covid-19 particularly for the peri-urban poor whose housing conditions are dire.”
“The campaign, therefore, comes in handy to ensure universal access to affordable shelter especially during this difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic. The funds raised through this campaign will be channeled to help the orphans, aged and persons living with disabilities in unplanned settlements,” she said.
Ms Mitimingi expressed gratitude to both the international and local stakeholders for the continued support in ending poverty housing in Zambia and implored them not to relent in transforming the lives of local people.