THE initiative is solely aimed at depopulating the streets with minors, as they will be kept busy and entertained-Freedom Sikazwe. FORMER Minister of Gender and Child Development has proposed for the construction of creative centres near markets as a tool to keep children off the streets.
Speaking in an interview with the Lusaka Star, the former Deputy Minister, Freedom Sikazwe said the project is supposed to commence near Kabwata market.
Mr Sikazwe explained that the creative centres are intended to cater for traders’ children during business hours as well as the homeless children.
He further added that the initiative was solely aimed at depopulating the streets with minors, as they would be kept busy and entertained.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sikazwe said the Ministry of Gender and Child Development is in a land dispute with the Islamic Community of Zambia as the land where the first centre was to be built is believed to be on the Islamic premises.
He said this had delayed the commencement of the construction of the first creative centre near Kabwata market.
Mr Sikazwe however added that negotiations were still going on with the Lusaka City Council over the land adding that construction of the first centre near Kabwata market were to start as soon as the land disputes were resolved.