$354.8 million Lusaka water project implementation begins

The Compact for the Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage project whose implementation begins today, Friday, 15th November is a 5 years project which has been established through a bilateral agreement between Zambia and the US.

Speaking this morning during the exchange of the entry into force letters in Lusaka, Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda reiterated the significance of the project in the provision of clean water and sanitation to the growing population of Lusaka.

Mr. Chikwanda says he is optimistic that once the project is implemented it will also help reduce water born diseases in the city.

Mr. Chikwanda says this why government wants to ensure that the project is implemented within the specified timeframe.

The Finance Minister has since thanked the US government on behalf of the Zambian government for financing the project.

And US embassy Charge ‘D Affairs David Young observed that the Millennium Challenge Compact for the Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage project represents a true partnership between the Zambian and US governments.

Mr. Young who is also board chairperson of the Millennium Challenge Account Zambia says his country is also pleased that prior to the implementation of the project the Zambian government has already shown commitment towards the implementation of the project.

Mr. Young however, noted the need for the project to be implemented within the specified timeframe as the agreement on the project stipulates that if the project is not implemented in the during the five years period any money that will be left off will have to be reverted back to the US government.