Lavushimanda National Park Receives K52m Infrastructure Boost
The Government has handed over infrastructure and earth-moving equipment worth K52 million to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) at Lavushimanda National Park in Muchinga Province, in a major boost to wildlife conservation and tourism development.
The handover was presided over by Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Reverend Mathews Chilekwa, under the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) Project.
Reverend Chilekwa said the investment had supported the construction of 19 new staff houses, the rehabilitation of seven existing housing units, and the development of key facilities including an information centre, public ablution block, park gate and animal boma.
He added that more than 185 kilometres of roads had been opened and maintained within the park.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the project also procured essential earth-moving machinery, including a grader, compactor and Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB).
“This support goes beyond housing and equipment,” Reverend Chilekwa said. “The project has also delivered communication and patrol equipment, two motorbikes and four vehicles, which will significantly enhance park management and security.”
He further noted that TRALARD support had enabled aerial surveys, ecological and animal ground counts, the development of management and business plans, as well as the recruitment and training of 20 community scouts, including support for their salaries. Boundary demarcation activities have also been completed.
According to Reverend Chilekwa, the interventions are already yielding positive results. “The Department of National Parks and Wildlife has reported improved animal sightings and recoveries from illegal activities, leading to better overall park management,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary commended contractor Shachitri for completing the project ahead of schedule and to high quality standards, in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive on prudent public project management.
Receiving the infrastructure on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Edward K. Chilufya, Principal Warden for Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs), described the support as timely and transformative.
“This infrastructure will be carefully utilised and maintained to enhance the effective management of Lavushimanda National Park,” Mr Chilufya said, adding that the improved facilities are expected to attract increased tourist visitation to the park and the wider province.
Reverend Chilekwa concluded by thanking the World Bank and other cooperating partners for their support, emphasising the importance of collaboration in strengthening Zambia’s conservation and tourism landscape.
