Stakeholders commend Hichilema over Lusaka-Kafue dual carriageway and road contract awards

Stakeholders have welcomed Government’s continued investment in road infrastructure, describing the latest projects as critical to improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and strengthening Zambia’s transport network. The Zambia National Students’…

Stakeholders have welcomed Government’s continued investment in road infrastructure, describing the latest projects as critical to improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and strengthening Zambia’s transport network.

The Zambia National Students’ Union (ZANASU) has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for announcing plans to construct a dual carriageway from Lusaka to Kafue Bridge, saying the project will ease traffic congestion and improve the movement of people and goods along one of the country’s busiest transport corridors. The President announced the project during his engagement with the Kafue community on Sunday.

ZANASU deputy secretary Ephraim Chifunda, who is also president of the University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus, said the union believes the project will boost trade and economic activity by facilitating the efficient transportation of goods to and from Lusaka. He added that the union is optimistic the project will be delivered within a cost-effective budget.

Chifunda said Government’s ongoing implementation of the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway demonstrates its commitment to delivering major infrastructure projects, giving the union confidence that the Lusaka-Kafue road will also be successfully completed.

Separately, Social Enterprise Zambia executive director Metrinah Mumba welcomed the Road Development Agency’s (RDA) award of contracts for the rehabilitation of the Chipata-Lundazi Road and the upgrading of the 212-kilometre Livingstone-Sesheke Road. She described the projects as major investments that will improve road safety, enhance regional connectivity and support economic development.

According to the RDA, the Livingstone-Sesheke Road contract has been awarded to Sinohydro Corporation Limited, in a joint venture with Nchifar Enterprises Limited, while China Geo-Engineering Corporation will rehabilitate the Chipata-Lundazi Road. The projects represent a significant investment in provincial road infrastructure beyond the capital.

Mumba said the projects are expected to facilitate trade, promote tourism and create employment opportunities across the country. She, however, urged Government and the RDA to strengthen corporate social responsibility requirements in future procurement processes so that contractors make clear commitments to supporting communities directly affected by infrastructure developments.

Meanwhile, Nchifar Enterprises operations manager Charles Mwanamakondo said Government’s decision to award major infrastructure projects to local contractors is helping strengthen Zambia’s construction industry by enabling local firms to acquire equipment, expand operational capacity and improve efficiency.

Mwanamakondo said Zambian contractors possess the expertise and skilled workforce required to deliver quality infrastructure projects. He added that access to major contracts also improves their ability to secure financing from financial institutions, creating a stronger and more competitive domestic construction sector.

He further disclosed that the 16.2-kilometre Kitwe Urban Roads Project is approximately 50 per cent complete, with more than eight kilometres already constructed. He said works on Independence Avenue are expected to be completed within the next two to three months despite engineering challenges encountered on sections of the road.

The planned Lusaka-Kafue Dual Carriageway, together with the latest RDA contract awards, reflects Government’s continued investment in transport infrastructure across Lusaka, Eastern and Southern provinces. Stakeholders say the projects collectively demonstrate sustained momentum in the road sector, with the potential to improve mobility, support commerce and accelerate economic development across the country.