By HELEN ZULU –

ZAMBIANS must explore and build economic infrastructure that can be used to develop the country, Works and Supply Minister Yamfwa Mukanga has said.
Mr Mukanga said the existing infrastructure gaps in the country in all major economic sectors must serve as an incentive for Zambians to explore and build economic infrastructure that could be used to develop the country.
He said economic development rested on infrastructure and it was not possible to attain economic development minus infrastructure.
Mr Mukanga was speaking during the Valuation Chapter of Surveyors Institute of Zambia (SIZ) business meeting in Lusaka, which was held under the theme ‘The importance of infrastructure to property market’.
“Economic development rests on infrastructure. All the different fundamentals that support economic progress are supported or even facilitated by infrastructure.
“It is for this reason that Zambians should explore and build economic infrastructure that can be used to develop our country,” Mr Mukanga said.
He said infrastructure, like mining plants and facilities, agricultural belts, industrial parks and road networks. among others, were a backbone of sustainable economic development.
Mr Mukanga said infrastructure development was a critical parameter in the definition of a country’s economic and social development, and that real estate professionals such as the SIZ had a key role to play in the initiation, conceptualisation, development and delivery of infrastructure.
“Surveyors’ basic role is to bring facts from the ground, source, surrounding and nature and present the information in a manner that will enable effective implementation of infrastructure development.
“I want to urge the valuation surveyors’ registration board and valuation chapter of SIZ to continue promoting high standards of professional and ethical conduct,” he said.
SIZ chairperson Chisebwe Fumbeshi said infrastructure such as electricity, communication, water, airports, rail, roads, schools and hospitals provided essential services that drove economic growth, employment and productivity.
Mr Fumbeshi said it was for this reason that the valuation surveyors took an active interest in reviewing the current and planned infrastructure projects within different markets of the country.
He said that rapid infrastructure development being experienced in the country was playing a pivotal role in establishing a significant influence on property development.
“We need to stop thinking about infrastructure as an economic stimulant and start thinking about infrastructure as a strategy. Strategic investment in infrastructure produces a foundation for long-term growth,” Mr Fumbeshi said.