By Esther Chisola
The United States will be announcing the next stage of relations with Zambia for the next 60 years, following the recently signed $458 million grant to this country.
And Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) chief executive officer Alice Albright says the $458 million grant given to Zambia is one that is not directly given to the government but the contractors which is aimed at improving roads to enhance the country’s agriculture sector.
Speaking during a media briefing at the American Embassy, US Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales said for over 60 years, the US government has provided over $7 billion translating to K182 billion to support US-Zambia diplomatic relations.
He further pledged that the US would remain a committed partner to Zambia’s development.
“I pledge that the United States will remain a committed partner to Zambia’s development. And I’m pleased to announce that in the coming weeks, we will have additional announcements to set the stage for the next 60 years of the US-Zambia relations and to support Zambians successes,” said Gonzales.
Amb Gonzales said the US was here to partner with Zambia because there was so much potential in the country.
“There is so much potential here in Zambia and the United States is here to partner with and support Zambian people in realising that potential through funding, technical assistance and other means,” he said. “Change is not easy, but it is necessary for Zambia and her people to have the future that you want and that you deserve”
And Abright said her corporation was confident in the Zambian government with regards to the manner the grant would be handled.
“The grant will move from our US treasury to the different organisations that will be managing these projects. The vast majority of the grant will go towards two roads which are in the Northern part of the country,” she said. “Those roads were selected by a good number of good activities. We have a very transparent process. We will provide the money to those who are directly involved in the projects”.
She further said on top of the $458 million grant, Zambia was expected to contribute $33 million bringing the total of $491 million.
“We signed a $33 million contract with the Zambian government this morning which is part of the contract. We hope the government will up its games just like the first contract where the Zambian government paid more,” said Albright. “But it is safe to say that the $33 million has already been budgeted for in the Zambian budget and it’s in the yellow book.”
