Govt. disburses K1.7 billion for Livingstone-Sesheke road works

Government has released over K1.7 billion for the reconstruction of the Livingstone- Sesheke road which has been in dilapidated state. This came to light during a public disclosure meeting held in Mwandi for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of the…

Government has released over K1.7 billion for the reconstruction of the Livingstone- Sesheke road which has been in dilapidated state.

This came to light during a public disclosure meeting held in Mwandi for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of the Livingstone-Sesheke road project.

Speaking during a public disclosure meeting in Mwandi, Bari Zambia Consultants, Environmental and Social Advisor, Lackson Chilongo revealed that the road is undergoing rapid designing and planning for six months to pave way for the construction works to commence before the onset of the rainy season.

Mr Chilongo said the entire project will be implemented in a period of 30 months.

He added that the Road Development Agency (RDA), will work closely with the contracted company Sinohydro Corporation Limited in a joint venture with Nchifar Enterprises Limited.

Mr Chilongo explained that the project is divided into Lot 1 and Lot 2, saying Lot 1 is the first 65 kilometers from Livingstone to Kazungula heading to 165 kilometers of Simungoma to Sesheke while Lot 2 is the 100 kilometers stretch from Kazungula to Simungoma of Mwandi district which is the most affected area.

He stated that Lot 1 has been allocated 15 kilometers township roads, 10 kilometers for Livingstone and five kilometers in Sesheke.

Mr Chilongo added that Lot 2 will receive 10 kilometers shared between Kazungula and Mwandi districts with five kilometers each of township roads.

He noted that the project will provide 400 jobs and local people will be prioritised.

And Mwandi District Commissioner, Sikuka Mwitumwa has expressed delight over the development and thanked government through President Hakainde Hichilema for walking the talk on the road project.

“God has remembered us because Mwandi district is the most affected by the bad road, the road is worse when entering and leaving Mwandi district,” she said.

Ms Mwitumwa further said it is encouraging that Lot 2 will be worked on first, to show that government cares for the people of Mwandi district.

She noted that once the road is complete, Mwandi residents will save on traveling time, open the area to capital projects, improve the market and reduce tear and wear on vehicles.

Mrs Mwitumwa stated that the Livingstone-Sesheke road, is an international road and working on it to a bituminous standard will improve international trade.

She has since called on the District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC), to cooperate with all stakeholders during the 30 months lifecycle of the project.

Meanwhile, Barotse Royal Establishment, Mwandi Kuta Induna, Lawrence Sinyani who is Induna Omei, said the kuta has already allocated land to the construction company where they will be camping.

Induna Omei disclosed that the Kuta will also provide some quarry from Sesheke to the road project and also assured to render support to the project with anything needed that is within their control.

The traditional leadership has welcomed the development and thanked government saying that once completed, the road will open Mwandi to more development.