In the turn of events, the Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia – BETUZ, has revealed that the actual number of houses it plans to build for its teachers is 60,000, and not the previously stated 100,000, leaving out a significant 40, 000 with no clear explanation.
In 2022, BETUZ President Binston Tembo, and the union Secretary General, Henry Sinkala publicly announced that the union intends to invest about $9 billion to build 100,000 low-cost houses for its members across the country but has now u-turned the position suggesting that only 60, 000 houses will be constructed by the union.
The commencement of the construction of the now 60, 000 low-cost houses has also dragged after some sources indicated that the Union does not have the capacity to undertake such a massive project.
Earlier a financial expert exclusively with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, questioned the $9 billion deal that the Basic Education Union of Zambia BETUZ signed with a United Arab Emirates-based Company to build 100, 000 houses on a rent-to-own initiative for teachers.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, when reminded that he is on record announcing the 100, 000, BETUZ General Secretary Henry Sinkala, denied that he does not recall mentioning the 100, 000 teachers’ houses nor remember stating that figure.
“I do not know where that number is coming from and I don’t know who said it because we plan to construct 60, 000 houses for our teachers that are currently registered. Betuz only has about 60, 000 teachers.” He remarked.
The reduction in the number of houses and the lack of clarity on the timeline for construction have made some teachers lose hope in the promise the union made to the teachers. There have also been some allegations pointing out that the union was only making false promises and using the housing initiative as a political tool to gain support.
The promise to construct the houses was made by BETUZ in 2022, where it was touted as a major breakthrough for the country’s teaching profession.
The union had pledged to work with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the houses were built and bought by educators over a 15-20-year period.
Meanwhile, Sinkala said the construction of the now reduced 60, 000 houses, depends on when the resources will be made available from the engaged funders of the project.
Sinkala said the union said that it had explored various funding options, including partnerships with private investors, but had been unable to secure the necessary resources as the funds have not yet been made available.
Asked why the construction had been delayed and whether it was true that the union did not have the capacity to undertake such a massive project, Sinkala denied to comment adding that he was attending to something else important.
