228 Views President Hakainde Hichilema is taking a drive along the Lusaka-Kabwe dual carriageway to appreciate the works done so far on the 140-kilometre road project. President Hichilema used the drive to inspect progress on what government has described as a USD650 million masterpiece aimed at easing traffic and improving trade between Lusaka and the […]

228 Views

President Hakainde Hichilema is taking a drive along the Lusaka-Kabwe dual carriageway to appreciate the works done so far on the 140-kilometre road project.

President Hichilema used the drive to inspect progress on what government has described as a USD650 million masterpiece aimed at easing traffic and improving trade between Lusaka and the Copperbelt.

The drive through, was quick to take the shape of campaign roadshow as some residents followed the convoy amid tight security.

Accompanied by senior government officials and project engineers, President Hichilema stopped at several points along the stretch to get updates on works, which include drainage system and safety features.

According to the government, the dual carriageway is one of the major infrastructure projects undertaken in recent years.

Once complete, it is expected to cut travel time between Lusaka and Kabwe, reduce accidents and lower vehicle operating costs for motorists and transporters.

The project involves expanding the existing single carriageway into a dual carriageway with service roads, pedestrian crossings, bus bays and proper lighting in built-up areas. Contractors have been working on earthworks, paving and bridge structures along different sections.

Speaking during the inspection, President Hichilema said infrastructure is key to unlocking economic growth and that government will ensure the project is completed on time and to required standards.

“We are here to see for ourselves the progress. This road is important for our farmers, for business, and for ordinary citizens who travel this route every day,” he said.

The President added that government will continue to prioritize roads, energy and other infrastructure that connect people to markets and services.

Motorists and residents along the route welcomed the President’s visit. Some traders in Chisamba and Kapiri Mposhi said the improved road will help them move goods faster and at lower cost.

The Lusaka-Kabwe dual carriageway is being implemented in phases and forms part of government’s broader plan to dualise major highways linking the capital to other provinces.

The USD650 million project is being financed through a combination of government resources and external financing. Officials say emphasis has been placed on quality control and value for money to ensure the road lasts.

In other news, State House says the opposition has failed to present original policy alternatives to the Zambian people and has resorted to re-cycling the current administration’s ideas

State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka says the opposition is recycling Government programmes instead of offering a distinct vision for the country’s development.

In a statement issued to the national broadcaster Hamasaka said the opposition’s campaign messages lack fresh policy ideas and are largely centred on programmes that are already being implemented by the Government.

He said the opposition has echoed Government policies in key sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and public sector recruitment, instead of presenting new proposals.

Hamasaka said the only notable policy proposal advanced by the opposition is the distribution of excavators to marketeers operating in trading places across the country.

He further said the opposition had an opportunity to implement its own programmes while in Government but instead left behind economic challenges, including high debt levels, weakened institutions and reduced investor confidence.

He added that the opposition has resorted to personal attacks on President Hichilema after failing to offer credible policy alternatives.

Hamasaka said by adopting policies already being implemented by the Government, the opposition is effectively endorsing President Hichilema’s development agenda.

He also argued that calls for a policy debate are difficult to justify when the opposition has not presented a clearly distinct policy platform.

Image credit: UPND