Sat, 10 Feb 2018 12:38:07 +0000
By MUKOSELA KASALWE
INVESTORS have started environmental assessment on the 187-kilometre Mwenda-Kashiba Road in Chipili, Luapula Province.
The road will be constructed at a sum of US$475 million under the Private Public Partnership agreement.
According to Groupe Europeen de Development (GED) country manager, Marcus Ascott, U$S 221 million would be spent on the Zambian side while the rest of the funds were on the Congo DR side.
Mr. Ascott has appealed to Chipili Town Council management and the general public to help the contractor enjoy a conducive environment during its operations.
The multi-million project would include the construction of a modern bridge across Luapula River and a border post at Kashiba, which would connect Zambia to Congo DR in Luapula Province through Chipili and Mwense.
Chipili Town Council chairperson Isaac Kafwimbi advised GED Africa not to import casual labour.
“I am privileged to have a meeting with your team (GED Africa) in Chipili. This road will bring development for our people,” he said.
Mr. Kafwimbi said engaging local labour would help alleviate poverty levels among youths of Chipili.
According to a statement by council public relations officer, Oscar Malipenga, Mr. Kafwimbi observed that engaging local labour would help alleviate poverty among youths of the district.
Mr Malipenga said Mr Kafwimbi was speaking during a meeting with the contractor and Development Bank of Southern Africa at Mwenda Primary School before the contractor proceeded to conduct an environmental assessment inspection of the road.
And Chipili District Commissioner Willie Mumba said he was happy that GED Africa was in his district to connect Chipili to SADC countries.
After a meeting and paying a courtesy call on Chieftainess Mwenda, the contractor proceeded to conduct environmental assessment with Chipili Town Council Planner, Mukuka Mwamba and Deputy Director of Works, Chad Kasakula.
