HH COMMISSIONS KK WING AT MICC
By Brian Mwale:
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has commissioned the $65m Kenneth Kaunda Wing at the Mulungushi International Conference center with a call to get value for money from infrastructure.
President HICHILEMA says the quality of the facility with a seating capacity of 2,500 people is way better than others where over $300m has been spent.
Commissioning the wing in Lusaka today, President HICHILEMA said all government agencies and quasi government institutions should work towards standardization of contract values for similar projects.
The President said timely delivery and right pricing of projects, as was the case with the Chinese government funded project should now be the norm for all government projects.
The Head of State said he is watching and observing carefully the quasi government institutions, regulatory authorities and councils whom he wants to meet soon.
And President HICHILEMA expressed optimism that the Kenneth Kaunda Wing will make Zambia become a hub for conferences as his administration is determined to attract more conferences as it is part of a strategy to grow the economy and create jobs.
He said the building is befitting to hold Dr. KAUNDA’s name and gives a true legacy to those he worked with.
And, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister CHARLES MILUPI said the wing is one of the largest conference facilities in sub Saharan Africa.
He expressed happiness that the KK wing was delivered within expected time thereby making Zambia ready to host the AU Midyear Summit slated for July 2nd.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Minister SHEAL MULYATA noted that the wing is key in raising the profile of Lusaka as a hub for conferences.
And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia DU XIAHUI said the building will provide Zambia an ideal venue for key conference while enhancing the country’s national image.
Meanwhile, China Jiangsu International General Manager WANG SHULIN said his company was privileged to have worked on a project that has further strengthened ties between Zambia and China.
Mr. WANG said his company which has been operating in Zambia since 1998 worked hard amidst challenges of Covid to deliver the project in good time for the AU midyear coordinating summit slated for July.