Govt commissions K1.2 million projects in Chikankata under South Korea’s Saemaul Undong model

The Zambian government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, has commissioned community infrastructure projects worth K1.2 million in Chikankata District, Southern Province, under the South Korean-backed Saemaul Undong initiative.

The projects, which are guided by a development model focused on self-help, ownership, participation, and mindset change, include a 1×3 housing unit for health workers in Nanduba Village and three solar-powered water points in Nansenga Village. A community hall and market shelter are also nearing completion.

Ministry Permanent Secretary, Angela Kawandami, accompanied by Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Namani Monze, officially commissioned the projects and hailed the community’s resilience and dedication to development.

“The Saemaul Undong approach complements key government initiatives such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Cash-for-Work programme. These interventions promote community-led development, job creation, income generation, and infrastructure improvement,” Kawandami said.

She expressed gratitude to the South Korean government for the partnership and noted that the completed projects were already transforming lives in the district. Plans are underway to replicate the model in other provinces to ensure inclusive development.

Kawandami also disclosed that 31 community members and 32 officers had received training in South Korea, with another group of 16 villagers and four government officers set to undergo similar training soon.

Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Namani Monze, praised the tangible progress in Chikankata and commended the Ministry for enabling the collaboration with South Korea, which he described as a “transformational development model.”

Chikankata District Commissioner, Timothy Chipolyonga, also applauded the Saemaul Undong initiative and urged community members to take full ownership of the infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability and dignity.

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