LUNGU LAUNCHES $1.2BN LUSAKA – NDOLA DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WORKS

Sat, 09 Sep 2017 10:23:12 +0000

By Mukosela Kasalwe

THE Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway worth US$1.2 billion dollars is a huge road project in the country’s history which will create 3, 000 jobs for Zambians, says President Edgar Lungu

President Lungu said the Lusaka-Ndola 321-kilometre road project would include by-pass roads in Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi and the 45-kilometre Luanshya-Fisenge-Masangano Road.

The President said this yesterday in Chibombo at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway that it would reduce road fatalities which was a huge cost for Government coffers but would also save lives.

He said Government was working hard to ensure that promises made to the Zambian people were fulfilled in the shortest possible time.

President Lungu said the project would be completed in 48 months and urged the contractor, China Jiangxi Corporation, to stick to the stipulated timeframe.

“Today is an important day marking the commencement of the construction of the 321-kilometres of the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway which is one of the biggest road projects in Zambia’s history with vast economic benefits to the country.

I am glad that during construction period this project will create over 3, 000 jobs to our people,” Mr Lungu said.

He urged the Road Development Agency to ensure that local Zambian firms comprising small and medium scale contractors were engaged on the project as sub-contractors of at least 20 percent out of the project.

President Lungu said the Great North Road was the main artery at the heart of the country and that it was vital that the road was kept in good shape always.

He said the route was key in connecting Southern and Central parts of Zambia to mining towns on the Copperbelt and northern parts of the country.

He said the road project was key in connecting Zambia to the SADC and COMESA region.

President Lungu took a swipe at doomsayers for criticising him of commissioning projects but affirmed that there was no such thing like a small project and that he would gladly even commission toilets as that would improve people’s lives and health unlike open defecation.

Central Province Minister Sydney Mushanga said the project would boost agriculture prospects which was the main activity of the province.

Mr Mushanga said the project was critical to the development of the province.

Copperbelt Minister Bowman Lusambo said the project had elated the province as it would reduce road fatalities and ease traffic.

Chinese ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming said Zambia was poised for development and pledged the Chinese government’s continued support in infrastructure development.

Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Ronald Chitotela said China Jiangxi Corporation president Xu Guojian said the multinational company with international contracting and overseas investment in more than 30 countries having 138 projects under construction for a total contract amount of U$7 billion was ranked among the top 250 international contractors for successive 15 years.

Mr Guojian said the firm has undertaken more than 200 projects in Zambia such as airport, road, building and infrastructure.

He said the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway was the artery of Zambia’s economic development.

Mr Guojian pledged to pool up its company-wide resources to turn the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway project into a project of excellence and masterpiece.