Kaoma District, Western Province - 15 June 2026 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Zambia with support from the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), today commissioned a 25 Kilometer Road and bridge infrastructure under the Development of Basic Infrastructure (DBI) Project in Mayukwayukwa Resettlement Scheme.

Speaking on behalf of Her Honour the Vice President, Dr. W.K. Mutale - Nalumango, by Permanent Secretary Resettlement Division Ms. Mavis Nkomeshya the Vice President underscored the transformative impact of the project on displaced persons and host communities.

“Today we gather not merely to open roads and a bridge, but to mark a turning point in the lives of thousands of our people displaced persons and host communities alike. Each kilometer of road means a mother can reach a clinic in time, the bridge means a child no longer risks a dangerous crossing to get to school,” said Ms. Nalumango. 

The newly commissioned infrastructure includes a 25-kilometre gravel road network and a 120-metre footbridge in Mayukwayukwa, improving access to essential services such as health care, education and markets. The DBI project, valued at USD 5.3 million, is expected to benefit more than 42,000 people across Mayukwayukwa and Meheba, supporting Zambia’s broader vision of inclusive, productive and economically resilient resettlement schemes. 

Embassy of Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Mr Horii Mizumoto, said “As we commemorate this important milestone in our shared efforts to enhance the well-being of displaced persons and their host communities, allow me to reaffirm Japan’s unwavering commitment to supporting global responses to humanitarian challenges through its “Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus” approach.” 

Mr Mizumoto said the approach focuses on easing the burden on host communities, strengthening self-reliance and fostering conditions conducive to the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of displaced persons.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Representative of JICA Dr Tomoko Ono highlighted the importance of infrastructure in improving livelihoods and fostering social cohesion.

“Today’s event marks an important milestone, to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and access to essential services. This achievement is not only about infrastructure. Development is about people  their resilience, dignity and ability to shape their own future.” Said Dr Ono.

Dr Ono said the initiative is part of a broader approach that integrates infrastructure with human development under JICA’s HOPE 2 programme, supporting local planning, livelihoods and community resilience. “We are not only inaugurating infrastructure, we are demonstrating what is possible when infrastructure and human capacity are developed together.”  Said Dr Ono. 

Meanwhile UNDP Resident Representative Dr. James Wakiaga emphasized the catalytic role of infrastructure in driving inclusive development and improving everyday lives.

“Infrastructure is the silent enabler of development… Today, we correct that,” he said, noting the importance of connectivity for unlocking economic and social opportunities. 

Dr Wakiaga further underscored the partnership behind the project “This commissioning is a direct result of the strategic partnership to improve people’s lives.” 

Reflecting on the real-life impact, Dr Wakiaga highlighted how improved roads and bridges reduce isolation, enhance livelihoods and improve access to services: “These are not merely stories. They are the realities we are helping to create, pathways to opportunity, dignity, inclusion and hope.” Said Dr Wakiaga.  

Dr Wakiaga said “We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder… to ensure that development reaches those who need it most, maintaining that no one is left behind.” 

The DBI project will continue with additional investments, including the construction of a secondary school, rehabilitation of health facilities, and development of irrigation schemes to strengthen livelihoods and food security in Meheba and Mayukwayukwa Resettlement Schemes.

The Government of Zambia, Government of Japan, JICA and UNDP reiterated their shared commitment to sustainable development, resilience building, and improving the quality of life for displaced persons and host communities across Zambia.

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For more information and media interviews, contact:

Mwangana Amukena, Project Manager, mwangana.amukena@undp.org

Mercy Khozi, Communications Analyst, mercy.khozi@undp.org

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