AfDB loans Zambia US$135m for water, sanitation.

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 13:28:02 +0000

A US$135 million loan to finance a water and sanitation programme targeting small towns in Zambia has been approved by the board of directors of the African Development Bank Group.

According to the AfDB, the project is scheduled to be implemented in 48 months at a total cost of US$150.57 million with the bank’s loans and grants to cover 80 percent of the costs while Government will contribute US$15 million.

The integrated small towns water supply and sanitation programme aims to increase access to quality water supply and sanitation services in a sustainable manner in 12 towns located in four provinces of Zambia.

Other objectives include ensuring efficient management and operation of the water supply and sewerage facilities on free market principles.

The project is aligned to the Zambia’s National Vision 2030 and the Revised Sixth National Development Plan.

Zambia’s small towns are experiencing rapid growth requiring rehabilitation and expansion of the water and sanitation infrastructure to support businesses.

By providing improved infrastructure, this programme will specifically boost economic development in the target areas.

Specifically, this intervention will construct and rehabilitate climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure, including expansion into peri-urban and low-cost settlements.

It will also build the capacity of water utilities, regulators and train communities involved in the programme, including creating economic opportunities for women and youth.

The bank’s intervention is expected to improve the health conditions of one million residents through increased access to safe and reliable drinking water and improved sanitation services.

This project is expected to create about 5,000 new jobs during and after the implementation.

The integrated small towns water supply and sanitation project will further enable the AfDB to achieve its fifth High 5s strategic priority to “Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa”.

The Africa Growth Together Fund will contribute US $15 million in co-financing, while the Government of Zambia will provide US $15 million in counterpart funding.