User:Chalochatu/Draft2

State House
Former names	Government House
Type	Presidential residence
Location	Independence Avenue, Lusaka, Zambia
Coordinates
Current tenants	President of Zambia
Completed	1935
Owner	Government of Zambia

State House is the official residence of the President of Zambia. It serves as the administrative and ceremonial headquarters of the presidency and is located in the capital city, Lusaka. The premises are both a residence and the site for high-level government meetings, as well as receptions for foreign dignitaries.

Origins and Colonial Era

The State House in Lusaka traces its origins to the early 1930s, when construction began during the British colonial period. Funded in part by the Beit Trust (established by Alfred Beit, a director of the British South Africa Company), the building was erected as the Government House, the official residence of the Governor of Northern Rhodesia. Construction started in 1930 and the residence was officially opened in 1935. Major Sir Hubert Young became its first occupant, and over the next three decades, 12 more colonial governors resided there, with Sir Evelyn Hone being the last prior to independence.

Post-Independence Transition

On 24 October 1964, Northern Rhodesia gained independence as the Republic of Zambia. With independence, Government House was renamed State House and became the seat of the new nation’s President. Zambia’s first President, Kenneth Kaunda, moved in on Independence Day 1964, making him the first Zambian head of state to occupy State House. The transfer was symbolic – the colonial governor departed and the Zambian flag was raised, marking the building’s evolution from a symbol of colonial authority to one of Zambian sovereignty. Since then, State House has continuously served as both the official residence and office of Zambia’s President, central to the country’s executive leadership.

Evolution Over Time

Over the years, State House has undergone changes reflecting the needs of a growing independent nation. In the early 1970s, President Kaunda initiated significant upgrades: in 1974 a major security upgrade of the complex was undertaken, and an additional residential facility called Nkwazi House was constructed on the State House grounds to serve as the President’s private residence. (The original colonial-era mansion continued to function as the principal workplace and for official functions, while Nkwazi House provided more private quarters for the First Family.) President Kaunda also commissioned a 19-hole golf course within the estate during this period, reflecting an expansion of the grounds’ amenities.

Through subsequent administrations, State House remained the center of presidential activity. By the 2010s, however, concerns were growing over the age and condition of the building. Built over eight decades ago, the main edifice (often referred to simply as “Plot 1” due to its address on Independence Avenue) showed signs of deterioration. In fact, a 2017 parliamentary report described the state of the building as “appalling and life-threatening,” noting serious structural issues and high maintenance costs. These concerns spurred debates on whether to continue renovating the historic structure or to construct an entirely new State House for the future.

Architectural Details and Notable Features

Design and Style

State House was designed in a Neoclassical architectural style, reflecting the grandiose colonial-era approach to official buildings. Its architect was William Walcot, a British architect and graphic artist known for his refined designs. The Neoclassical style is evident in the building’s symmetry and likely in elements such as its portico and columns (typical of British colonial residences of the time), conveying a sense of formality and authority. Construction was completed in 1934, and the white-painted mansion with its elegant façade has since remained one of Lusaka’s landmark structures.

Ancillary Structures

Nkwazi House

Situated on the eastern side of the compound, Nkwazi House is the official private residence of the President. It was added during Kaunda’s presidency to enhance both security and comfort for the First Family. (The name “Nkwazi” – meaning eagle in some Zambian languages – aligns with the eagle symbol of Zambia.)

Golf Course and Gardens

Unusually, State House boasts a 19-hole golf course within its grounds. Lush lawns, landscaped gardens, and tree-lined driveways characterize the estate, befitting its status as the nation’s foremost residence. The grounds’ greenery contributes to Lusaka’s nickname “Garden City.”

Wildlife

Adding to the site’s unique character, the State House grounds are home to various wild animals that roam or are kept in the compound. Troops of monkeys are commonly seen in the trees; in fact, over 200 monkeys inhabit the grounds according to some reports. There are also antelope and diverse birds on the premises.

Governmental Role and Functions

Seat of the Presidency

State House serves a dual role as both the official residence and the principal workplace of the President of the Republic of Zambia. From this location, the President directs the operations of government, holds meetings with ministers and advisors, and addresses the nation on important matters.

Office of the President

Within State House is the Office of the President, which includes not just the President’s personal office but also various supporting offices that facilitate presidential duties. Swearing-in ceremonies for high officials (such as ministers, judges, and service chiefs) are often conducted here.

National Symbol

In Zambian public discourse, “State House” is often used metonymically to refer to the presidency itself. The address Plot 1, Independence Avenue, has symbolic meaning as shorthand for the institution of the presidency.

Notable Occupants of State House

President	Tenure at State House
Kenneth Kaunda	24 Oct 1964 – 2 Nov 1991
Frederick Chiluba	2 Nov 1991 – 2 Jan 2002
Levy Mwanawasa	2 Jan 2002 – 19 Aug 2008
Rupiah Banda	2 Nov 2008 – 23 Sept 2011
Michael Sata	23 Sept 2011 – 28 Oct 2014
Edgar Lungu	16 Jan 2015 – 24 Aug 2021
Hakainde Hichilema	24 Aug 2021 – Present

External links

• Official website of the President of Zambia