A history of Kafue town: origin, transformation and constraints, 1905 - 2005.
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Date
2023
Authors
Mbewe, Mary
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Many scholars and researchers in Zambia and beyond have looked at the history and
development of big cities and industrialisation. Most studies on urban Zambia have not focused
on the history and development of small towns like Kafue and yet some of the small towns have
played an instrumental role in the social and economic development of the country. The neglect
has deprived people from knowing the significance and impact that some small towns like Kafue
have had on the economic development of our country, Zambia. The establishment of industries
had both direct and indirect impact in facilitating socio-economic growth and development of
many towns. This study therefore sought to reconstruct the history and development of Kafue
town from 1905 when it started as a railway siding to 2005 when it celebrated its one hundred
years anniversary. The study sought to investigate why the first Republican President, Dr.
Kenneth David Kaunda chose to transform Kafue town into an industrial hub. It assesses the
social and economic impact that industrial development has had on Kafue and the surrounding
areas. Apart from serving as the engine of the development and growth of Kafue town, industries
created job opportunities and influenced the establishment of other sectors like education, health
and construction. The establishment of industries in Kafue had adverse consequences on the
environment. Industries polluted either the air, land or water which endangered living things. The
emissions and dust from industries might have seriously affected human, animal and crop life if
the Environmental Council of Zambia did not establish standards and regulations for the disposal
of waste. Despite the government’s hope and effort to establish manufacturing industries in
Kafue, they failed to become viable due to a number of reasons. This study therefore discusses
some of the reasons that led to the collapse of manufacturing industries in Kafue.
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Kafue--History.