The Zambian government has started constructing a new Chancery and staff apartments in Addis Abba, Ethiopia, in order to save on funds that are spent on renting office spaces and accommodation for diplomats.

In a statement, First Secretary for Press and Tourism at the Zambian Mission in Addis Abba Inutu Mwanza disclosed that Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Susan Sikaneta expressed confidence during the signing ceremony that the policy by government to authorise financing for the construction of properties in Zambian Missions abroad would see it save funds from rentals.

Mwanza stated that government had already contracted Sileshi Consult, an Ethiopian firm, to be responsible for the designing and supervising the construction of the Chancery and staff apartments.

She stated that the current chancery in Addis Abba had been used by the Zambian diplomats since 1965 until last year when the facility was certified unfit for human habitation by both the Zambian and Ethiopian governments.

Mwanza further stated that Sikaneta expressed optimism that the Ethiopia Firm, Sileshi, which was selected by the Zambian government after a competitive bidding process, would quickly move on site and commence works.

Meanwhile, Sileshi Consult deputy Director Desta Sileshi thanked the Zambian government for awarding the firm the contract, saying his firm would ensure that it delivered professional and quality works within the stipulated time frame.