PPP happy with Ndola-Mufulira road rehabilitation works

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Technical Committee Vice Chairperson, Richard Banda says the rehabilitation of Ndola-Mufulira road is progressing well. Dr Banda said the project is among key infrastructure developments being implemented through the PPP framework to improve…

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Technical Committee Vice Chairperson, Richard Banda says the rehabilitation of Ndola-Mufulira road is progressing well.

Dr Banda said the project is among key infrastructure developments being implemented through the PPP framework to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and stimulate economic growth.

Speaking during a monitoring visit to the Ndola-Mufulira road project, Dr Banda said once completed, the highway will significantly reduce travel time between Ndola and Mufulira.

He said the 25-year concession provides for three years of construction, with the remaining section towards Mufulira expected to be completed within the agreed timeframe.

Dr Banda, who is also Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Director of Planning, Monitoring and Research, said 17 kilometres of the road, stretching from the Ndola roundabout to the Sakania border, have so far been completed.

He said the project has also seen the construction and operationalisation of the Tom Mtine Toll Plaza and a one stop border post.

Dr Banda however, disclosed that the government identified sections of the road that developed defects after it was opened, prompting immediate remedial works.

“Entering into PPP has seen the rehabilitation of the Ndola-Mufulira road, which also includes the construction of a toll plaza and a modern Sakania border post. Once this road is fully completed, trade will be enhanced significantly,” Dr Banda said.

He further said the government is taking measures to ensure that the project meets the required quality standards by engaging an independent engineering firm tasked to ensure quality works are rolled out on the project.

“I can confirm that the government, together with the concessionaire, has engaged an independent engineering consultant to monitor the quality of works being undertaken on the project,” he said.

Dr Banda further said the Road Development Agency (RDA) will continue monitoring the road throughout the 25-year concession period to ensure that required standards are maintained.

Meanwhile, Jaswin Ports Limited, a concessionaire working on the road, explained that the entire Ndola-Sakania stretch has been completed, while the stretch from Sakania to Mufulira is scheduled for completion by June 2028.

Jaswin Ports Limited Project Manager, Deng Jianping said the construction of the new One Stop Border Post at Sakania has reached 70 percent completion.

He said the modern border facility is expected to improve the movement of goods and services between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) once it is operational.

Mr Deng said the new Sakania border post will include a police post, clinic, fire-fighting section and other essential facilities designed to improve border operations.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has lauded the construction of the state of the art Sakania border post.

ZRA Examining Officer, Rex Nketani, observed that once fully completed, the new facility will accelerate economic growth as revenue collection will improve significantly.