Japan has given Zambia a grant of about 450 million Kwacha to upgrade two health centres and district hospitals on Copperbelt.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister of Finance Bwalya N’gandu says the implementation of the project will help the country make a lasting impact on the enhancement of human development in Zambia.
Dr N’gandu said the project will also increase the quality of health services.
He also thanked the Government of Japan for honoring its bilateral commitments despite the Covid-19 pandemic that the world is grappling with.
The Finance Minister also assured Japan of Zambia’s commitment to maintaining and further strengthening the two countries’ bilateral cooperation.
And Japan International Cooperation Agency- JICA- Chief Representative Kazuhiko Tokuhshi said the project will upgrade Mushili health centre in Ndola and Chamboli health centre in Kitwe.
Mr Tokuhshi said the project which is expected to take two years will also provide facilities and equipment for existing centres to improve access to health services.
Speaking at the same event, Japan’s Ambassador to Zambia, Mizuuchi Ryuuta said the project aims at strengthening Zambia’s healthcare system.
Mr Ryuuta said this will be the third cooperation between Zambia and Japan following the previous undertaking to upgrade the health centres to district hospitals in Lusaka province.
He further revealed that he is currently in discussions with Dr N’gandu on the possibility to provide medical equipment to enable the country tackle infectious diseases countrywide.
Mr Ryuuta further said there is need for Zambia and Japan to work together during the covid-19 period.
