Zambia receives US $160M for Lusaka Sanitation Programme

Zambia has received US $160M for the Lusaka Sanitation Programme (LSP). Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company MD Jonathan Kampata announced the report and said the boost from European Investment Bank (EIB) and German development bank KfW will cater the project’s realisation.

Implementation of the Lusaka Sanitation Program is a key part of the Zambian government’s Vision 2030 and National Development that will improve public health and social inclusion of vulnerable communities and address challenges faced by women and children.

The program is set to curb sanitation crisis that is costing Zambia 1.3% of GDP per year. The disbursement of financing funding will support the expansion of wastewater treatment at two new plants in Chunga and Ngwerere and the construction of 520 km of sewerage pipes. The scale of the project being implemented by the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company has required intensive technical preparations to maximise the impact of the scheme.

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Reduce prevalence of water borne disease

Upon completion, it is set to transform public health in Zambia capital Lusaka through improved access to sanitation for 525 000 families. The project will further reduce prevalence of water borne disease and pollution in local rivers.

“The close cooperation with Zambian and international partners, including long-term financing and technical expertise provided by the EIB and KfW over recent years, is now delivering and contributing to the country’s vision,” said MD Jonathan Kampata.

“This marks a key milestone in the project that enables the first financing to be provided by EIB and KfW for rehabilitation of two wastewater treatment works in the city and complement other parts of the citywide scheme already underway. Accelerating high-impact sanitation investment is crucial to strengthen public health resilience to Covid-19 and deliver sustainable urban development,” added EIB VP Thomas Ostros.