Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Government has signed a US$104.1 million loan agreement with NORDEA Bank and Denmark for the Kafuba sustainable water and sanitation improvement project.
The project activities will target Ndola, Luanshya and Masaiti and will be implemented by Kafubu Water and Sewerage Company.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lusaka today, Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda says the project will improve the water services to an additional 100,000 people where the water and waste water facilities are either non-existing or in a progressive state of physical depreciation.
Mr Chikwanda says government is committed to improving the provision of clean water and sanitation for economic growth and improved livelihoods in all parts of the country.
Mr. Chikwanda adds that the agreement signed today will aid the provision of water and sanitation infrastructure as well as develop skills to ensure effective water resource management.
He notes that with the project, government hopes for economic growth as the limited capacity of the existing water supply system implies that the requirements of households, industries and institutions are not adequately covered.
Mr. Chikwanda adds that it is also hoped the project will lead to increased employment opportunities and improved health and living conditions.
And NORDEA Bank Vice President Henrick Brink says his bank believes that access to clean water is vital in any part of the country.
As part of the contribution to the project, NORDEA Bank of Denmark has provided a loan facility in the amount of approximately US$70.1 million while the Danish Agency for International Development has contributed a grant in the amount of US$34 million.