LUSAKA - The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) have signed a K150 million contract for the construction of a 12-kilometre pipeline under a Bulk Water Supply Project expected to benefit more than 25,000 residents of the Twin Palm and Ibex areas of Lusaka.
Under the project, ZAF and NAPSA will provide the funding, while the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company will construct and operate the pipeline over a period of 18 months.
Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu said the project demonstrated that the New Dawn Government was determined to improve people's lives through infrastructure, housing, water supply and sanitation.
Speaking after witnessing the signing ceremony at Air Force Headquarters in Lusaka this afternoon, Mr. Haamaundu said the project aligned with government's broader developmental agenda of ensuring that every citizen has access to essential services.
He said when communities have access to clean water, diseases reduce, households become productive and communities become empowered.
Mr. Haamaundu said collaboration among government departments helps to speed up development.
"This infrastructure will serve generations to come. The pipeline will continue to deliver water to thousands of people in the years to come," Mr. Haamaundu said.
And Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni thanked President Hakainde Hichilema and government for the continued support to the Air Force.
Lieutenant General Nyoni said government support was enabling ZAF to have the necessary infrastructure to take care of its personnel.
"This project is of profound significance to our operations. It will boost morale among personnel and improve our operation readiness," Lieutenant General Nyoni said.
Meanwhile, NAPSA Acting Director General Joshua Malipenga said the Bulk Water Supply Project would benefit Queensland Park, ZAF Twin Palm, Da Tong and other areas in the Twin Palm and Ibex Hill areas of Lusaka.
Mr. Malipenga said the investment by NAPSA would provide sustainable development infrastructure.
He said reliable water supply was critical to the development of the country.
And Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company Managing Director Jilly Chiyombwe said his company would deliver the project with quality, professionalism and transparency.
Mr. Chiyombwe said reliable water supply supports development and commerce.
He said the Twin Palm and Ibex areas had grown and needed more water for development.
Mr. Chiyombwe said the project would result in the construction of the 12-kilometre pipeline, a booster station, ground water reservoir and management infrastructure.