The British government says the successful implementation of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) will help enhance Zambia’s capacity to attract infrastructure investment.
Speaking during the launch of the PPP one day workshop, Acting British high commissioner Sean Melbourne said the workshop is aimed at increasing knowledge and understanding of the PPPs among the various participants attending the workshop.
He explained that the understanding of PPP is cardinal in helping government monitor effectively the implementation of various developmental projects.
Mr Melbourne stated that the successful implementation of PPP will lead to a more predictable business environment and also attract foreign investment in the country.
The acting British higher commissioner said PPPs are powerful tools that can be used to further grow the national economy.
However, Mr Melbourne said the British government is pleased to note that the Zambian government is keen to build institutional capacities so as to secure private sector investment.
He pointed out that infrastructure bottlenecks if not addressed threatens to slow Zambia’s economic growth.
Mr Melbourne urged government to use the gains made from the economic growth Zambia is enjoying by investing in infrastructure.
And speaking at the same function, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mwanakatwe said the PPP training programme has come at an opportune time when government is placing focus on exploring effective ways of partnering with the private sector.
in a speech read on her behalf by Permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge , Mrs Mwanakatwe noted that the private sector involvement in infrastructure development is progress on well.
The Minister hoped that after the training government will work towards refining and concluding the regulatory framework to guide effective implementation of the PPP projects.
Mrs Mwanakatwe expressed confidence that the training programme will give participants a comprehensive overview of how to identify, structure, evaluate, manage and implement transactions under the purview of PPP.
Government can not do everything on its own! Effective PPPs saves government time and resources and enhances prudent monitoring of projects. Through PPPs government has excess resources to channel to more needy areas. Lets move away from centralized development paradigms!
Way to go. PPPs have capacity of addressing the infrastructure deficit most developing countries such as Zambia face with private sector financing for huge Capex projects such as road construction. If well structured, this in turn gives government an opportunity and breathing space to focus limited resources on other social sectors of the economy such as health, education etc