World Bank pledges more project support for Zambia

THE World Bank has pledged to increase project funding to programs in Zambia.This came to light when World Bank Country Director in charge of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Mr. Paul Noumba Um met Zambia’s Vice President Hon. Inonge Wina at the Ivan Hotel in Maseru, Lesotho.Mr. Noumba Um said the World Bank is the largest multilateral funder to projects in health, agriculture, education and community development in Zambia and supports annual projects to the tune of $1.2 billion.And Mr. Noumba Um said the World Bank were keen to scale-up projects that were being piloted in Zambia and take them nationwide.And Mr. Noumba Um has expressed happiness with the Girls Education and Women’s Empowerment and livelihood project (GEWEL) in Zambia stating that it was performing well than other projects.Mr. Noumba Um also said Zambia was privileged to host the International Development Association (IDA) annual meeting between November 12-18 in 2018.He said IDA is part of the World Bank and provides loans and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities and improve people’s living conditions.He also said there will be a high-level visit by World Bank official in mid-October 2018.And Hon. Inonge Wina said that Zambia was determined to eradicate stunting and malnutrition of children in Zambia.She said there was political commitment by President Edgar Lungu and his entire government.She also appealed to the World Bank should help resolve delays in the up-take of funded projects in Zambia.She expressed concern that funds were available for projects for communities but were delayed because of procurement or bureaucratic issues.The World Bank funds various projects in Zambia in the health, agriculture education, gender, early childhood education, community and water and sanitation projects. Post Views: 253