A Social Inclusion and Gender Policy has been launched at The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has with support from the American government through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). This is to promote a conducive and enabling working environment in Lusaka and ensure that its services reach all intended beneficiaries. This new development is a part of the support to LCC under the US$355 million Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage Project (LWSSDP).
“Lusaka City Council is not moving alone in this direction because the Zambian government is committed to ensuring that services reach everyone regardless of where they live, their status in society, their gender or their economic conditions. Inclusive service provision must be realized in all government departments and among all stakeholders that we work with,” said Minister of Local Government, Hon. Vincent Mwale.
Mr. Fredson Yamba, Secretary to the Treasury and MCA-Zambia Board Chairperson described the launch of the policy as a milestone in ensuring that compact investments are sustained beyond the life of the LWSSD project.
“Ultimately, through the implementation of this policy, LCC will ensure that residents of Lusaka are engaged in an effective manner that will promote behavioural change resulting in sustainable use of Compact investments and other future investments,” he said.
At the same event, the United States Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Christopher Krafft said, “…sustainable development relies on inclusive development. Efforts to promote economic growth and to help people lift themselves out of poverty are best achieved when they harness the full participation and potential of women, the poor, and other members of vulnerable or marginalized populations, ensuring that all residents fully benefit from expanding economic opportunities, services, and public investments.”
The Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage Project is expected to be of benefit to over 1.2 million residents of the Lusaka city.
