Ministerial Statement Highlights Plan for Multi-Sports Facilities in Zambia

06.12.2024 | Football DNA

Honourable Elvis C. Nkandu, Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts, recently addressed Parliament to outline the government’s ambitious plan to establish multi-sports facilities in every constituency. He emphasized that these facilities would play a pivotal role in community development, addressing physical, social, and economic challenges while fostering holistic growth.

The Minister highlighted Zambia’s recent successes in sports, including:

Muzala Samukonga winning Zambia’s first Olympic medal in 28 years at the 2024 Paris Games.

The Copper Queens’ participation in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and back-to-back Olympic qualifications, alongside Barbra Banda's recognition as the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.

Hosting international sporting events, which have boosted tourism and economic growth.

Zambia’s award as the Best Sporting Nation in Southern Africa in 2023.

The Minister also stressed the government’s commitment to gender equality in sports, citing President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive to provide equal pay for male and female soccer players.

Benefits of Multi-Sports Facilities

Hon. Nkandu outlined the multifaceted benefits of establishing multi-sports facilities, including:

Promoting health and wellness by combating non-communicable diseases.

Enhancing mental health and reducing social issues like substance abuse and youth delinquency.

Empowering youth through talent identification and professional pathways.

Promoting gender inclusivity, particularly for women and persons with disabilities.

Supporting Zambia’s Vision 2030 by fostering a healthy and educated population while promoting entrepreneurship.

Project Implementation

The Minister revealed that funding for these projects could come from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), with budgets ranging from K7 million to K15.1 million, depending on the scope of work. Components such as soccer pitches, multi-purpose courts, running tracks, and futsal courts were outlined as key priorities.

The Ministry has already devolved community sports functions and allocated K30 million to local authorities, empowering communities to manage their own sports development. Standard operating procedures have been shared across provinces to ensure smooth implementation.

Call to Action

Hon. Nkandu urged Members of Parliament to:

Sensitize their communities about the benefits of these facilities.

Include the development of multi-sports facilities in their 2025 budgets.

Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative.

Government Commitment

The Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to making this vision a reality, emphasizing that the project is not just about infrastructure but about empowering youth, strengthening communities, and positioning Zambia as a global sports hub.

In closing, he called on all stakeholders to work together to make sports a cornerstone of national pride and development.

“Together, let us ensure that this dream becomes a reality for the benefit of all Zambians,” he concluded.