Ambassador Speeches
Remarks by Ambassador Martinez at the Signing of the MOU with the Minister of Lands
LusakaMarch 22, 2006
I am thrilled to have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding
between the United States and the Government of Zambia that sets in
place the parameters that allow for the launching of the Lilayi Housing
Project.
The project will be the first of its kind in the
region to comprehensively link high-density, low-cost housing with a
long-term mortgage instrument. This will translate into affordable and
attractive housing for many low and middle-income Zambians. It will
create thousands of jobs during the life of the project and introduce
long-term financing for the housing market. As a principal partner in
the project, the US Government is eager to see this visionary effort
succeed.
This MOU is an essential milestone in the
success of the program, as it sets in place the means by which the
Ministry of Lands will issue deeds and titles from a satellite office
at the Lilayi Housing Project’s headquarters at Farmer’s House on Cairo
Road.
I want to highlight the role played Honorable
Minister Nyirongo. The United States appreciates the vigorous and
visionary leadership she has taken to spearhead this new activity. Her
efforts and those of her highly capable ministry will have real and
demonstrable impacts on the lives of many Zambians.
Congratulations.