US signs compact agreement with Zambia to develop water projects

The US Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has approved a $354.8m compact with Zambia to invest in water infrastructure projects in the country.

The five-year compact agreement will support sanitation and drainage networks, increase overall water supply, extend and improve select water supply and decrease flooding in the capital city of Lusaka.

MCC chief executive officer Daniel Yohannes said, "MCC investments are expected to have a meaningful impact on the lives of more than 1 million Lusaka residents by improving their health and economic productivity and helping the country reduce poverty on a sustainable basis by enhancing water security."

The compact builds on more than 15 years of water sector reform led by the Government of Zambia.

US Ambassador to Zambia Mark Storella said, "Together, we have engaged with multiple stakeholders in intensive negotiation, consultations and project development to achieve MCC’s five-year, $355 million compact agreement with Zambia."