SIMON MUNTEMBA writes
THE Japanese government has donated $500,000 towards the implementation of promoting human security through early recovery intervention for refugee population in Zambia for 2019.
The $500,000 cheque was handed over to the Zambian government through the office of the Vice president in Lusaka yesterday during the launch of the project which is implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking when he handed over the cheque, Ambassador of Japan to Zambia Hidenobu Sobashima said his country attached great importantance to human security hence extending emergency assistance of humatarian nature.
He said the Japanese government appreciate the efforts of the Zambian government in accepting refugees and former refugees totaling 8000 from various countries.
“What is very unique here is that Zambia recognises many long term refuge immigrants from Angola and Rwanda totaling about 23,000 people as former refugees and implementing the sustainable resettlement programmes for them,” Mr Tobashima said.
Mr Sobashima said in order to further contribute to the sustainable resettlement programme, Japan through JICA has provided 20 mobile science laboratory kits to secondary schools for improving and management of existing boreholes.
And in receiving the cheque, Minister in the office of the Vice president Sylvia Chalikosa said the grant had come at the right time.
Ms Chalikosa who thanked the government of Japan for the support rendered towards the upkeep of humanity in Zambia appealed to the line Ministries to ensure the funds were used for the intended purposes.
The Minister also reaffirmed her government’s commitment to locally integrate former Angolan and Rwandan refugees as pledged when the 3 year local integration strategy for 2014-2016 was launched.
“Based on the foregoing, the vision of the entire resettlement programme is that by 2021, communities living in Meheba and Mayukwayukwa resettlement schemes are cohesive, productive, sustainable and fully integrated into development at all levels,” Ms Chalikosa said.
She added that the Zambian government at national and sub-national levels undertook inclusive and participatory planning and governance processes that incorporated targeted resettlement schemes.
Meanwhile, UNDP resident representative, Israel Dessalegne praised the Zambian government for having offered the option of taking permanent residency to former refugees who have lived in Zambia for many years.
Mr Dessalegne who spoke highly of Zambia said as the World remains in great turmoil, they all continue to count on Zambia to offer refuge to those in need.
For decades, he said, Zambia has shown its solidarity and humanity to those fleeing violence and persecution from neighbouring countries.
