By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
GOVERNMENT   has released K35.6 million for the relocation of settlers who are on the site earmarked for the Irrigation Development and Support Project (IDSP).
In 2011, the World Bank approved a loan facility of US$115 million for irrigation infrastructure under IDSP, making it one of the largest funded projects in the agriculture sector.
The development objective of the project is to increase output and volume of products marketed by small holders benefitting from irrigation investments.

. Lubinda

Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda said the Government had released counterpart funding in the amount of K35.6 million towards the Resettlement and Compensation Programme.
Mr Lubinda said the Government had secured a total of $115 million from the World Bank for irrigation infrastructure.
Mr Lubinda said 13 contractors have been re-engaged and they were already on site to execute the Government’s resettlement plan for the people affected by the project.
Mr Lubinda said in an interview in Lusaka that in early January, the Government was expected do a ground breaking ceremony in the three sites for the establishment of the 467 houses.
“It is Government policy to compensate those people who will be affected by the project. This week we are starting the process of identifying contractors to now go into the irrigation scheme,” Mr Lubinda said.
He said the evaluation for Momboshi irrigation dam was concluded last week and a preferred bidder was identified.
“As per the agreement with the World Bank,  they have to make the final decision and we are expecting to get a response from them within a week. We have to go and do ground breaking for Momboshi irrigation dam and this is going to be one of the biggest dams in Zambia with the capacity of 65 million litres of water,” Mr Lubinda said.
He said the irrigation would be mounted in Southern, Central and Copperbelt provinces aimed at supporting smallholder farmers.