Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
President Hakainde Hichilema has thanked the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for selecting Zambia for the implementation of the second compact of the programme, aimed at improving the lives of the people.
And President Hichilema has promised the visiting MCC delegation that the government will address challenges that were faced by the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company in the implementation of the first compact.
President Hichilema says this is because the government values the objectives of the programme, as it is in line with its aspirations to improve the wellbeing of the people as stipulated in various developmental plans among them the Eight National Development Plan (8NDP).
Speaking at State House in Lusaka today, when MCC Chief Executive Officer, Alice Albright and her delegation paid a courtesy call on him, the Head of State said the government is using the 8NDP which is already in its final stage of being concluded as a tool towards enhancing the living standards of the people in the country.
He has hailed the strong relations existing between Zambia and the United States of America (USA), and has appealed to the USA government to help Zambia strengthen its institutions of good governance.
And President Hichilema has requested the US government to support Zambia in its quest to restructure and improve its economy by restructuring the debt to sustainable levels.
He said the government has so far recorded progress with the debt restructuring programme, which is targeted at restoring and reviving the country’s economy with the official creditors having met for the first time on June 16 to discuss the restructuring process.
Meanwhile MCC Chief Executive Officer Alice Albright has called for deepened relations between Zambia and MCC in order to improve the lives of the vulnerable people.
Ms. Albright said MCC is committed to creating inclusive economic growth that helps women, youths and the less vulnerable communities through its programmes.
He praised the government for successfully implementing the $355 million dollars first compact aimed at improving Zambia’s water, sanitation and infrastructure which was completed, and has positively impacted on a number of people in Zambia.