Muchinga Province has increased the number of districts participating in the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) II project from five to eight, adding Chinsali, Nakonde and Shiwang’andu to the programme.
Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Tuesday Bwalya reaffirmed the provincial administration’s full commitment to the World Bank‑funded initiative, specifically supporting its Emissions Reduction Programme (ERP) aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the region’s forest resources.
Speaking during an Implementation Support Mission courtesy call in Nakonde District by the World Bank Group delegation, Dr Bwalya assured the team that the province boasts abundant resources to guarantee the project’s success.
He noted that the initiative directly aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s Grow Zambia Agenda, which emphasizes sustainable development and effective resource utilization.
Dr Bwalya further urged all provincial government departments to actively support every stage of implementation to ensure complete accountability to both the financiers and local communities.
And World Bank TRALARD II Task Team Leader Ambroise Brenier has called for an immediate acceleration of the project through an integrated approach.
He emphasised that the ultimate goal of the landscape restoration initiative is to ensure local communities see immediate economic benefits while contributing to national growth.
Meanwhile, World Bank Group Global Manager for Carbon Finance Solutions Olivier Mahul has commended the Zambian government for its progress in developing the Muchinga Emissions Reduction Programme.
He expressed the bank’s excitement to be part of the program and underscored their commitment to maintaining strict integrity throughout implementation, including the eventual carbon trading process.
Meanwhile, TRALARD II National Coordinator John Banda explained that the support mission provided a critical opportunity to assess groundwork against core development objectives.
Mr Banda noted that aligning operations directly with the provincial administration will ensure a rapid rollout across the expanded geographical zone, opening up new opportunities for more local residents.
14