CABINET NODS $27m POWER PROJECT

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 07:58:43 +0000

By BENNIE MUNDANDO

CABINET has approved the implementation of the electricity service access project financed by the International Development Association (IDA) which has injected over US$27 million.

Government spokesperson Dora Siliya  said the State had identified the project as a priority in increasing the country’s electricity access in targeted rural areas.

“Cabinet approved implementation of the Electricity Service Access Project.  The support from the International Development Association (IDA) amounts to US$ 27, 972,919.06 to finance the implementation of the Electricity Service Access Project.

“The Government of the Republic of Zambia has identified the Electricity Service Access Project as a priority project with the main objective of increasing the country’s electricity access in the Zambia’s targeted rural areas. Government is aware that with improved accessibility of electricity, especially in rural areas, this will enhance establishment of industries in these areas, thereby, increasing economic activity,” Ms. Siliya said.

She also said Cabinet had approved the financing of selected roads in the Lusaka City (commonly called the Lusaka 400) and that US$204, 940, 174.80 had been approved to support the engineering design, rehabilitation, upgrading and construction of selected urban roads, adding that Cabinet also approved the financing of roads on the Copperbelt Province which will gobble US$197, 391, 777.85 to finance.

She also said President Edgar Lungu and his Cabinet agreed to continue with infrastructure projects country-wide, saying Government was aware that it was through such projects that economic progress could be achieved.

Cabinet also approved in principle, the Medical Stores Bill, 2018 and the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council Bill, 2018.

“Cabinet approved in principle to the introduction of a Bill in Parliament that will provide for the conversion of Medical Stores Limited into a Statutory Government Agency. Currently, Medical Stores Limited is being supervised by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as majority shareholder (98 percent) and Ministry of Health holds 2 percent) of the shares.

Continued placement of Medical Stores Limited under the IDC implies that it will be considered as a profit-oriented entity which is contrary to its mandate.  Furthermore, MSL is a grant-aided institution with all its income coming by way of a grant from the Treasury and from cooperating partners. Further, Cabinet discussed matters pertaining to HIV and AIDS.  Cabinet approved in principle, to the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to repeal and replace the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council Act, No. 10 of 2002,” she said.