USAID ends Kabwe project
By Times Reporter
THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has explained that the family-based response (FBR) project it was running in Kabwe’s Makululu Township under Kara Counseling ended last year.
The USAID, however, said there is a possibility to have a follow-up initiative.
USAID development outreach and communications specialist, Chris Mahoney sai yesterday that contrary to assertions that it was abandoned, the lifespan of the project had come to an end.
Mr Mahoney was clarifying concerns raised by more than 200 vulnerable groups who said the agency had abandoned them without outlining any reasons.
He said all USAID projects had a scheduled closing date and the date for FBR project was 2009 and the beneficiaries of the project were informed of its closing well in advance.
He said Kara Counseling took measures to place as many of the project beneficiaries as it could on other projects.
Mr Mahoney said Kara Counseling had continued to run other projects benefiting the Makululu community and the USAID had many programmes aimed at benefiting vulnerable families in communities throughout Zambia.
Mr Mahoney advised the Makululu community to remain patient, as there were many new projects still coming, which could benefit them.
“As some projects close, new projects begin. There is the possibility that another USAID project may come to Makululu Township. The US mission wants to support projects that offer Zambian-driven solutions to Zambian problems.
“In fact, this Friday (today) ambassador Donald Booth will be signing seven grants as part of the ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund (SSHF),” Mr Mahoney said.
The grants, given directly to communities across Zambia, would fund important projects such as boreholes, crop irrigation and classroom construction – projects developed and implemented by the very community members who will benefit from them.
Mr Mahoney said that under the US President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief-Orphan and Vulnerable Children (PEPFAR-OVC), a small grants programme was currently taking applications from innovative communities for projects and programmes that provide care and support to orphans and vulnerable children.
