A China-financed project to improve the water supply and sanitation in Zambia was commissioned on July 29 in Lusaka, the country's capital. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui attended the commissioning ceremony, as well as other officials from the Zambian government and the Chinese embassy.

Ambassador Du commended the Chinese firm and its partners for successfully completing the project, which will improve access to safe and clean drinking water for residents in the Zambian capital. He said the water supply capacity of the project will provide people in the capital with sufficient, healthy and clean water, as well as improve local employment.

Hichilema also praised China for financing the construction of the water plant, saying it symbolizes China's sincerity in the pursuit of the greater good and the shared interest in improving the quality of life of people.

The phase-one Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project involving $150 million financed by the Export-Import Bank of China and constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation will ensure that about 500,000 people in the Zambian capital receive access to clean and safe water and proper sanitation.