Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Millennium Challenge Account Zambia has today signed a 9.9 million United States dollar contract with Motal Engil Africa for the upgrade and expansion of sewage ponds in Lusaka’s Kaunda Square area.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Secretary to the Cabinet who is also MCA Board Chairperson Fredson Yamba says the rehabilitation and construction of the Kaunda square ponds will have a positive impact on the Zambian economy and over 1.2 million residents of Lusaka.
He says the rehabilitation and construction of the ponds in Kaunda square also demonstrates government’s commitment to the provision of social services such as water supply and sanitation for its citizens.
Mr. Yamba has since appealed to the residents of Mtendere East and West to start constructing flushable toilets in their properties so that they can connect to the sewer network that will be laid down beginning next year.
And United States Ambassador to Zambia Eric Schultz says the millennium challenge compact is exciting because it demonstrates how donor assistance can operate as a true partnership with the recipient nation.
Mr. Schultz says the project is a share investment, with Zambians taking the lead in developing and implementing the numerous activities strengthened by the Millennium Challenge Corporations’ investment.
And Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company Board Chairperson Mundia Muya says the new investment could not have come at a better time than now when the company is facing increasing demand to provide vital services with limited infrastructure.
He has since pledged to ensure that infrastructure born out of the project is used in a sustainable way that will deliver the much needed services to the people.
The contract on the sewerage ponds is part of the 355 million United States dollars Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage project funded by the United States Government through the Millennium Challenge Cooperation in partnership with the Zambia government.