Hichilema tells Chibombo crowds UPND saved taxpayers $1.2bn on Ndola road, warns Mundubile and Zulu “will cry”

President Hakainde Hichilema has told thousands of residents lining the Great North Road through Chibombo that his government saved Zambian taxpayers US$1.2 billion by renegotiating the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway, and warned NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu that “those two boys will cry” once results are declared next month.

The Head of State made the remarks during a multi-stop inspection of the 327-kilometre carriageway, which is being built at a cost of US$650 million through a public-private partnership with the MOIC-LN Consortium. He contrasted that figure with the US$1.8 billion price tag he says the previous Patriotic Front administration had agreed for the same road, telling workers and residents that the saving alone justified another term for his administration.

“We are building this road at US$650 million only. It means we are saving US$1.2 billion,” the President said, addressing Ministry of Infrastructure workers at one stop before continuing on to Chisamba and Chibombo Boma, where thousands more had gathered along roadside embankments and anthills for a glimpse of his motorcade.

According to the Road Development Agency, the carriageway project is now 84 percent complete, covering earthworks, drainage and asphalt surfacing. The concession, signed in February 2023 at US$649,976,167, runs for 25 years, comprising three years of construction and 22 years of operations and maintenance. Once finished, the route will also see the rehabilitation of the 45-kilometre Masangano-Fisenge-Luanshya road.

Turning to the contest for State House, Hichilema questioned how Mundubile and Zulu could realistically expect to form government having failed to field candidates in 72 constituencies nationwide. He urged voters not to be swayed by promises from a party he described as unable to organise a complete slate, telling the crowd that both men would be left disappointed by the results.

“He also cautioned the people against going back to the government of thieves, but instead they should vote for the UPND so that it could continue providing free education,” read one account of his remarks at Chibombo. The President said his administration could not fail to build a market and a clinic at John Chinena having already delivered free education and the dual carriageway itself, urging residents to “vote properly” on election day.

He also addressed the Chibombo Multi-facility Economic Zone directly, telling residents the zone had started employing more people locally after beginning to export electric cable to eight countries in the southern African region. He asked voters to back UPND candidates “at every level”, from the presidency down to councillors, warning against wasting ballots on independents or opposition contenders.

At the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust in Chisamba, the President inspected works being carried out by the Macro-Ocean Investment Consortium after receiving a progress briefing from Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development Permanent Secretary Albert Malama, who accompanied him throughout the tour. Hichilema commended the contractor and workers for maintaining quality standards while keeping the project on schedule.

The President also renewed a pledge to formally employ volunteer health workers who have supported his government’s rallies and community engagements, saying an announcement on their status would come next month. He cautioned those already brought on in earlier phases not to “betray” his administration by voting for the opposition.

At Landless Corner, Hichilema directed that the road linking the area to Mumbwa be tarred, and instructed that local residents be prioritised for employment during construction, a commitment he repeated at several stops along the route. He also said volunteer nurses who attended one of the community meetings would be considered for formal employment as government continues strengthening the health sector.

Road Development Agency chief communications and corporate affairs manager Anthony Mulowa said the carriageway project currently employs about 3,400 Zambians in various capacities, including engineers, machine operators, office staff and general workers. He said the project has not only improved household incomes but has also provided skills transfer that will benefit workers on future infrastructure projects once the dual carriageway is complete.

Throughout the tour, the President repeatedly urged political parties and their supporters to reject violence and focus instead on issue-based campaigning ahead of the vote. Residents at several stops, many wearing UPND regalia and carrying placards, sang campaign songs and chanted as the presidential convoy passed, with Hichilema periodically emerging through the sunroof of his vehicle to wave and shake hands with the crowds.

The tour is expected to continue over the coming days as the President begins a separate five-day working visit to Southern Province, covering roughly half of the province’s districts before he is due in Livingstone.

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