The World Bank has given Zambia US$75 million in support for the southern African country's road maintenance, according to its statement released on Thursday.

The World Bank provides the funding for the Road Rehabilitation and Maintenance Program (RRMP) Phase II, which is part of the bank's support to Zambia's 10-year Road Sector Investment Program (ROADSIP).

The provision of the funds follows negotiations between the Zambian government and the International Development Assistance (IDA) in August and the approval in September.

World Bank Manager for Zambia Kapil Kapoor said in the statement that the credit facility will provide Zambia with financing for rehabilitation of a 50-km stretch of the Lusaka-Chirundu road, which is a major trade route and part of the North-South Corridor connecting the country to the sub-region.

He said the funds will also be used to enhance rural connectivity by constructing several minor bridges and culverts in selected districts. The support is also destined for the development of road agencies.

"Limited rural accessibility and connectivity is a major constraint in reducing rural poverty, and one way in which this project will assist is through the construction of minor bridges and culverts in selected districts in Zambia," Kapoor said in the statement.

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2009)