THE Lusaka water and sewerage company (LWSC) requires more than US$3 billion investment in the water and sanitation sector.

LWSC public relations officer Topsy Sikalinda said the investment master plan for water and sewerage required more infrastructure investment of over US$ 3 billion between 2011 and 2035.

Mr Sikalinda said the investment would also help increase the water sources for the growing population. He said it would also help expand the underground water network to the new development areas

"LWSC now has the investment master plan for water and sewerage which require more investments for infrastructure and requires over US$ billion to be invested between 2011 and 2035 which will include increasing the water sources for the ever growing population and expanding the underground water network to the new development areas," Mr Sikalinda said.

He said the Government signed a grant agreement with the American government under the Millennium Challenge Cooperation (MCC) to fund the Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage Project at the cost of US$355 million.

The project, he said said was expected to bridge the major investment gaps and lead to improved water supply, sewerage and drainage in Lusaka.

Mr Sikalinda said under the the project the largest water treatment plant in Kafue would be rehabilitated as well as some components of the main water line bringing water into Lusaka. He said a number of boreholes would be sunk to improve the production and reduction of the gap on the demand side.

"On the resident's side, the benefits will improve their living standards; will serve time as less time will be spent in fetching water, women and children, especially the girl child will benefit by spending more time in school."

"The project will construct a sewer network in Lusaka's Mtendere township, rehabilitate the Kaunda Square sewer ponds, and rehabilitate the Chelston pump Station.The project is now undergoing detailed design to identify the specific detailed requirements and the costs." he said.

Mr Sikalinda said the detailed designs for the entire project would be completed by March 2013 when the procurements would be done and the actual implementation would begin by late 2013.