HENRY SINYANGWE, Lusaka
THE United States (US) Government has awarded US$35,000 to four Zambian community-based organisations through the United States African Development Foundation (USADF).
And the US Defense Attaché Office, recently handed over the Gondar Camp Hospital to the Ministry of Defence.
At the signing ceremony in Lusaka on Monday, US Ambassador to Zambia Eric Schultz affirmed that the US government is proud to support dedicated Zambian organisations seeking to initiate development solutions targeted to their communities.
“Grants awarded today will purchase a rice processing mill to benefit the farmer members of the Centre for System of Rice Intensification in Solwezi; will increase agricultural yields for the members of Chatata Women’s Venture in Chipata through the addition of two oxen, a cart and ripper; improve the incomes of smallholder farmers in Mungwi through the establishment of a pig pass-on programme administered by Cinci Wa Ba Bili Rural Development Project and support a fish farming project to diversify the incomes of members of Sepa Sehao Agricultural Cooperative in Choma,” Mr Schultz said.
He praised the representatives of the four groups for their commitment to improving lives through income generating activities that also bolster food security locally.
He said the four grants will expand economic opportunities and improve the standard of living in communities in the four provinces.
The US government, through USADF, provides financial support directly to Zambian organisations empowering those least served by existing markets or assistance programmes to become a part of Africa’s growth story.
USADF small grants have benefitted 24 organisations in Zambia since 2011, delivering a total of US$195,000 in support.
The Gondar Camp hospital, in Chipata, Eastern Province, will support military personnel, their families, and community members in the surrounding area.
The US President’s Emergency Programme for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the US Defense Attaché’s Office in Zambia funded the US$1.9 million project.
Gondar Camp Hospital is the largest and most modern in the area, and is staffed and maintained by Zambian medical personnel.