SMART TRANSPORT SYSTEM KEY TO DEVELOPMENT, SAYS STATE

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:56:54 +0000

By Simon Muntemba

GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment towards achieving an integrated and efficient transport system that promotes sustainable economic growth.

Ministry of Transport and Communications Permanent Secretary Misheck Lungu said the government’s visionary outlook and daring spirit was to define a roadmap for a new and integrated transport system in Zambia.

He said this during the official opening of the national stakeholders’ consultative meeting for the review of the Draft National Transport Master Plan in Lusaka yesterday.

Mr. Lungu noted that transport drove social-economic development as it connected people to jobs, health services, education and commerce.

He also said that Government was implementing an ambitious road infrastructure development programme to connect all the provincial centres in Zambia.

“Government vision is to achieve an integrated and efficient transport system that promotes sustainable economic growth.

“ Let us all remember that when Government opens its doors for all citizens to make policy contributions, it is indeed a true mark of progressive policy formulation and good governance which are major components of sustainable development,” Mr. Lungu said.

He explained that as a result of demands from various economic sectors, the four modes of transport in Zambia have faced a number of challenges and that government has recognized the plan to prioritize the development of the transport sector.

“The government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu has recognized the need to plan and prioritize the development of the transport sector,” he said.

He said that the Master plan which was supported by AfDB would provide up-to-date information on the development of the transport sector over the period 2018-2038.

And Government has thanked AfDB for supporting the Transport Master plan which would provide up to date information on the development of the transport sector from 2018-2038.

Meanwhile, AfDB, resident representative, Damoni Kitabire expressed happiness that Zambia was now at the stage of discussing the draft national transport plan.

Mr. Kitabire commended the Zambian government for having reached a milestone in implementing the draft national transport plan.

He said that the bank would continue to partner and support the Zambian government in achieving an integrated and efficient transport system that promotes sustainable economic growth.