By JAMES  KUNDA  –
THE Lusaka water supply, sanitation and drainage project under the Millennium Challenge Corporation will commence this year at a cost of US$355 million.
Millennium Challenge Corporation resident country director for Zambia Steven Marma said the project would be undertaken in phases over a period of five years and will benefit more than 1.2 million people.
Mr Marma said the millennium challenge account of the United States (US) Government authorised the funding to Zambia after the country posted impressive goals aimed at meeting economic needs of the people.
He was speaking in Lusaka yesterday when his organisation met Members of Parliament (MPs) from constituencies in Lusaka.
Among the parliamentarians who attended the meeting was Lusaka Central MP Guy Scott, Given Lubinda of Kabwata, Gerry Chanda of Kanyama and Keith Mukata for Chilanga.
Others were Chongwe MP Sylvia Masebo, Lawrence Sichalwe of Chawama and  Munali law maker Nkandu Luo.
“This project will improve water supply, reduce incidences of  waterborne diseases and strengthen institutional capacity of water
utility companies,” he said.
Mr Marma called on Government agencies to support the programme so that it was completed within the stipulated period of time.
He said failure to complete the project within the stipulated period of time compels the US treasury to repossess the funding allocated to  the project.
Millennium challenge account Zambia deputy chief executive officer for  operations, Israel Banda said the institution would ensure that the all  projects were completed within the stipulated time frame.
“The projects will obviously be done in separate stages but everything possible is being done to ensure that the whole project is a success,” he said.
The MPs took turns to appreciate the project and Mr Lubinda urged the  corporation to allocate some jobs to Zambian contractors that would exhibit the capability to carry out the works promptly.