Local municipalities will spend Sh62 million from the 2008/9 Budget on water projects following the World Bank's delay to implement pledged water projects in the country.

The World Bank's project, which will be implemented in 10 villages of each of the country's districts, have been delayed due to lack of funds, Water and Irrigation deputy minister Engineer Christopher Chiza said yesterday.

However, the deputy minister told the august House, negotiations are underway between the government and the Bank to speed up the implementation of the projects.

Eng Chiza said a total of $951 million is needed to implement the Water Sector Development Programme.

Development partners have agreed to contribute $700 million while the government would commit $251 million.

Consultants are expected to have finished surveys by March 2009, after which preparations for tender documents for the contractors would begin.