THE United States government says it is committed to ensuring that the Lobito Corridor Railway Line investment which will connect among other countries, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia is actualized.
US Deputy Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Helaina Matza said the US government is fully committed to ensuring that the 250 million United Stated Dollar project is realized in its quickest possible way.
She said the team was in Zambia to explore how to make this a reality, by studying the country’s road and infrastructure situation.
ZANIS reports that Ms Matza said this on Friday when she paid a courtesy call on Minister of Transports and Logistics, Frank Tayali, and Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi at their offices.
Ms Matza explained that during the G7 leaders meeting that was held in Japan last month, the United States president Joe Biden also announced the 30 billion United States dollar investment to emerging communities around the world.
“During the G7 leaders meeting that was held in Japan last week, President Biden did not just announce the 250 million United States Dollars Lobito Corridors investment but also the 30 billion United States Dollars investment meant for emerging communities worldwide.” Ms Matza noted. Ms Matza noted that this investment will not just be concentrated on road and railway development but also on other projects that would improve the development of the Zambian people. – ZANIS
And US Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales said the US government wanted to be part of Zambia’s development agenda.
Mr Gonzales noted that once the Lobito corridor is actualized it would improve trade linkages, value addition and job opportunities among other benefits.
And in response Mr Tayali said once actualized this will no doubt help stimulate development in the country and the two countries.
Mr Tayali noted that this is also aligned with the government’s development agenda of unlocking the business potential and stimulating economic growth through private sector investment.
He noted that the coming of the new corridor will also boost development for transporters and stimulate regional connectivity and Integration.
Meanwhile, Mr Milupi says the US government has over the years been a strong strategic partner of development for Zambia in all sectors of economy.
Mr Milupi noted that the US government has been supporting Zambia in different projects such as the Acrow Bridge Project and the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact which he said has invested in the provision of clean water and sanitation.
He commended the US government for yet again selecting Zambia to be part of the beneficiaries the Lobito Corridor which has potential to diversify the country’s export routes and access to the Atlantic Ocean.
“The corridor stretches from the port of Lobito lying on the Atlantic Ocean and passes through Angola from west to east through the provinces of Benguela, Huambo, Bie and Moxico. It covers the mining areas of the Katanga provinces of DRC and the Copperbelt province. Mr Milupi said.
Mr Milupi stated that the corridor will offer a shorter and faster access for exports and imports from Europe to America adding that the route will enhance the development of western and Northern provinces which have potential in mining, agriculture, forest and tourism.
