By NATION REPORTER
INFRASTRUCTURE, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Charles Milupi says for the Road Development Agency (RDA) to continue delivering on its mandate as enshrined in the Public Roads Act, it is required to periodically and strategically reposition itself to harness opportunities and respond to the emerging challenges in the dynamic environment.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”4,5,6″ ihc_mb_template=”2″ ]
Mr Milupi said the RDA 2022-2026 Strategic Plan which has been launched was anchored on the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and in conformity with the vision 2030.
He said the government was happy to note that the RDA Strategic Plan development process was highly consultative and participatory across all key stakeholders.
He said the plan envisioned “An accessible well maintained fit-for-purpose road network” that will propel socio-economic development of Zambia towards the aspiration of the vision 2030.
He said the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) financing model which was currently being promoted will generated jobs as well as spur socio-economic growth.
“This model will guarantee infrastructure development and service delivery using private capital given the challenging fiscal position our country is facing resulting from both the poor performance of the economy and huge and expensive debt left by the previous regime.
I want to assure the public that the PPP Procurement processes are premised on the principles of competition, transparency, fairness, equity and cost-effectiveness. The nation in its current state, will benefit more from this financing model which will in the next coming years contribute to the development of most transport corridors in Zambia.
He said another issue of great concern to the Government was the quality of some roads constructed. This was an issue of paramount concern because the country was at all times expected to provide an acceptable level of service and value for money to the Zambian public.
Mr Milupi said the government wanted to work with contractors that would contribute to the successful implementation of infrastructure programs and that quality, efficiency and value for money would continue to be the guiding principles for all players in the construction sector.
RDA Board of Directors Chairperson, Mulchand Kuntawala, said the Strategic Plan projected the Agency’s long-term strategic goals for carrying out its mission of providing sustainable road infrastructure for domestic and regional accessibility to spur socio-economic development.
He said in order for the RDA to effectively deliver on the new mission, it will be guided by the eight core values in line with the national values and principles.
[/ihc-hide-content]
