By LUCY PHIRI
UNITED States (US) Company Landlock Natural Paving, Inc. has signed a five-year Joint Venture agreement with the Zambia National Service (ZNS) under the Ministry of Defence to build 5,000 kilometers of road in Zambia that will run through all 10 provinces of the country.
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The construction is scheduled to begin next year in March or April, 2024 contingent on weather conditions.
The Minister of Defence Mr Ambrose Lufuma and U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales attended the signing ceremony.
Landlock Chief Executive Officer Mike Kostorowski said he was incredibly humbled by the warm reception of the Zambian partners and their enthusiasm for their road building technology.
“We anticipate an aggressive development plan with significant investment into supply chain management, training, and certification. The socio-economic impact will extend far beyond the Zambian jobs that are created in road construction – this program will accelerate growth and prosperity for all sectors.” he said.
Mr. Kostorowski said the project will provide major benefits to the people under President Hakainde Hichilema’s rural connectivity project which focuses on rehabilitating old roads and constructing new ones, greatly improving valuable transportation routes.
He said the rural connectivity project, in collaboration with the Constituency Development Fund, will provide safe and efficient road systems that promote regional travel.
“The agricultural sector will particularly benefit through the enhanced ability to transport produce, greater accessibility for workers, and the opening of new markets. This project is another example of harnessing U.S. private sector technology and ingenuity in partnership with the Zambian people to drive economic growth,’’ he said.
Mr. Kostorowski said LandLock provides infrastructure solutions that reduce the waste of time, money, and the environment commonly associated with traditional road construction methods.
“The U.S. government is committed to working closely with Zambia to attract U.S. private sector investment, recognising that businesses and local communities – much more than governments – drive Investment, job creation, and economic growth,’’ he said.
He also said accountable American companies create quality jobs, provide professional development for their staff, and improve the overall business environment by promoting legal compliance and transparency, while combating corruption.
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