UNHCR hands Govt $883,000 worth of infrastructure

The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has today handed-over to Government infrastructure worth US$ 883,000 in Mayukwayukwa, Western Province. This is part of the US$1.6 million worth of infrastructure upgrading and construction projects, mainly in the health and education sectors, under the local integration programme.

Constructed with funding from Canada, Japan and the United States of America, the infrastructure will benefit both Zambians and former refugees.

UNHCR Representative Laura Lo Castro handed over the work to Government and thanked the donors, describing their gesture as a clear demonstration of their commitment to seeking durable solutions for former refugees.

“The local integration programme has reached a critical stage when most activities will soon be handed over to the Government of Zambia and other development partners. We are confident that Zambian and former refugees living in this scheme will enjoy a prosperous and healthy life.” Lo Castro said.

The handover ceremony was also attended by a delegation of US Government officials, led by Wendy Henning, Central and Southern Africa Team Lead, of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM) in the US Department of State.

“The progress towards the local integration of former refugees is a big step forward in finding solutions for refugees in this era of protracted refugee crisis.  We hope other countries will follow the example Zambia has set,” Henning said.

The local integration programme is a three-year Government-led project (ending in 2016) aiming at facilitating legal integration of eligible former refugees, ensuring that former refugees and their Zambian hosts – settling in the two designated resettlement schemes- have access to basic social services and maintaining peaceful coexistence with neighbouring villages.

The UN Refugee Agency has been supporting the Government of Zambia by soliciting funding from co-operating partners to implement the different projects.

Part of the infrastructure that has been handed over to the Government was constructed through UNHCR’s partners, World Vision International (WVI) and Caritas Czech Republic.

The handover of similar structures worth US$ 758,000 in the Meheba resettlement scheme is planned for the March 24, 2016.

Within the context of the local integration programme, UNHCR has funded several other projects in the resettlement schemes as well as in Mumena, Matebo and Mwene Mutondo Chiefdoms. Some of the projects in the Chiefdoms include fish ponds, honey production, a shelter for mothers, poultry business and rehabilitation of a classroom block.

Zambia currently hosts 53, 000 persons of concern in urban areas, the two settlements and resettlement schemes and elsewhere.