NHA to build 5, 000 houses annually under rent-to-own scheme

By BARNABAS ZULU THE National Housing Authority (NHA) says it is targeting to deliver at least 5, 000 housing units annually under its rent-to-own scheme aimed at helping civil servants and low-income earners become homeowners. NHA Board chairperson Dr Nalukui Milapo said the initiative would enable beneficiaries to transition from tenants to homeowners over a 25-year period. In a statement responding to President Hakainde Hichilema’s address during the official opening of the First Session of the 14th National Assembly on October 9, 2026, Dr Milapo said the authority was committed to supporting Government’s vision of providing decent and affordable housing. She said NHA was encouraged that the President had recognised housing as an essential service alongside education, health, water, sanitation and social protection. “We are especially encouraged that the President specifically acknowledged that access to decent and affordable housing remains a significant challenge and underscored the Government’s vision on this critical matter,” Dr Milapo said. She said the authority was also embracing innovative construction technology to reduce costs and accelerate housing delivery through its partnership with China Jiangsu International Technical Economic Corporation Zambia Limited. Dr Milapo said NHA’s prefabricated concrete panel housing factory in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone, commissioned in April 2026, and had started receiving orders. “When fully harnessed, this technology will help Government ministries, departments and agencies, the private sector and citizens to build durable and decent homes faster and at a significantly lower cost, directly addressing affordability,” she said. Dr Milapo said NHA was also partnering with local authorities to acquire land and establish land banks across the country for housing development. She said the authority’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan was aligned with the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda. Dr Milapo said NHA’s experience in developments such as Kabwata Estates, Northgate Gardens and Nyumbayanga positioned it to contribute to the delivery of decent and affordable housing countrywide.

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