Developmental

CABINET APPROVES CONSTRUCTION OF US$75.5M NEW LUANGWA BRIDGE  

By OLIVER SAMBOKO

Cabinet has approved construction of the new Luangwa Bridge at a cost of US$75.5 million, aimed at increasing traffic capacity in the Nacala Corridor to facilitate the distribution of goods and movement of passengers.

Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda explained in a statement that of the US$ 75.5 million, the Zambian government is expected to only contribute approximately US$7.5 million as counterpart funding while funding from external sources estimated at US$67.95 million will be funded by Japan through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Ms Kasanda, who is also Chief Government spokesperson,  said during the meeting, President Hichilema emphasised that  the new dawn administration will enhance the development of the country through implementation of appropriate policies that will improve the general living standards of the people.

Ms Kasanda said the existing Luangwa Bridge has been in use for more than 50 years from the time it was constructed in 1968, and that because of this, the maximum weight of vehicles that can currently pass through the bridge is limited to 55 tons while the maximum speed is limited to 30 km per hour. 

Cabinet also approved the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Public Roads Act, No. 12 of 2002 to include provisions that will provide protection of the property of the Road Development Agency, the National Housing Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2022 and the establishment of the Zambian National Committee on the Prevention of Genocide, War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity and all forms of discrimination.

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