By CHILA NAMAIKO –
THE United States Millennium Challenge Account–Zambia (MCA-Zambia) has awarded a construction contract worth US$21.9 million for the water reticulation project in Lusaka.
Among the beneficiaries are communities of Ndeke, Kwamwena, SOS East, Chipata and Ng’ombe townships.
The project underscores the importance of safe water supply in recognition of the World Water Day, which was commemorated on Tuesday.
The contract was part of the $355 million Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage (LWSSD) project, funded by the US government through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), under a five-year agreement with Zambia.
MCA-Zambia chairperson and Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba said some communities that will benefit from the $21.9 million were those living in new settlements that are being developed in Lusaka City.
Mr Yamba said this in Lusaka during the signing of the work contract between MCA-Zambia and UNIK Construction Engineering the firm that will lay water pipes and sink boreholes.
“Most of these areas are without services like water supply and sewer networks. Specifically, in Chipata Township, there is no network for water supply when the area has been in existence for a long time,” he said.
Once completed, the residents would no longer have to spend time searching for water as the commodity would be brought closer to them.
MCC resident representative, Steve Marma said the World Water Day established by the United Nations on March 22, 1993, recognised the importance water played in every person’s life.
The water project would help combat waterborne diseases and provide safe drinking water leading to improved health.
Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company director, George Ndongwe said the water utility firm was, however, facing a daunting task of bridging the gap between the water it supplied and current demand of the commodity.