Zambia’s ambassador to South Korea, his Excellency Andrew Banda, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress of the Saemaul Undong projects in Kafue and Chikankata Districts
Under the South Korean-funded project, which is a community-driven development initiative, construction of water reticulation systems, market shelter,multipurpose community hall, and housing units in four villages, namely Shakulya, Mwachiyaba, Nanduba and Nansenga are underway with all of them close to completion.
During a familiarization tour of the projects, Ambassador Banda commended the efforts being made and encouraged local communities to embrace the initiative with a mindset focused on self-reliance and reducing dependence on government support.
The Ambassador emphasized the importance of community members becoming agents of change themselves, working together to transform their surroundings and improve their livelihoods.
“The Saemaul Undong project is highly regarded in South Korea and has proven successful in transforming rural areas. I believe this model should be replicated in other parts of Zambia for its potential to not only uplift villages but also reduce urbanisation, “he said with an assurance to lobby for more support.
He further noted that Zambia is eager to adopt developmental practices that have brought about significant changes in South Korea, crediting its success to a shift in mindset, emphasizing that Zambia, with its abundant land and natural resources, can achieve similar results.
He said in comparison to Zambia, South Korea is younger, with a bigger population and mostly mountainous, but has managed to leverage its resources to change its story from an average country to being the 13th most powerful economy in the World, adding that Zambia can also achieve that through mindset change and hard work.
He further acknowledged that since the South Korean embassy opened, the Saemaul Undong has been the best-performing project and the only one that has been actualized, describing it as a big score for Zambia.
Accompanying the ambassador on the tour was Mrs. Patricia Muyamwa, Director of Community Development at the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, and Kafue District Commissioner, Mr Morris Hikapulwe.
Mrs Muyamwa has since described it as encouraging, motivating, and uplifting the recognition of the Saemaul Undong project by the embassy as the best performing among other projects.
She echoed Ambassador Banda’s sentiments, stating that both the Zambian and South Korean governments are pleased with the progress of the Saemaul Undong projects, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between the two countries to ensure the project’s success.
