Lusaka-Ndola Road Upgrading Project on Track for Development
The Road Development Agency (RDA) Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Grace Mutembo, delivered promising updates at the Joint Donor Forum and Transport Sector Performance Review Forum held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
Eng. Grace Mutembo revealed that significant strides have been made in the Lusaka-Ndola Road Upgrading Project, with the appointed concessionaire making notable progress towards achieving Financial Close.
This pivotal milestone sets the stage for the immediate commencement of construction works upon finalizing financing arrangements within the next four weeks.
Under the stewardship of the MOIC-LN Consortium, approximately 327 kilometers of the Lusaka-Ndola Road will undergo transformation into a dual carriageway, marking a significant leap forward in Zambia’s infrastructure development.
Additionally, rehabilitation efforts on the 45-kilometer stretch of the Luanshya-Fisenge-Masangano Road across Lusaka, Central, and Copperbelt Provinces will be undertaken under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Financing Model.
A notable highlight of the project is the completion of emergency works initiated in August 2023, focusing on the Lusaka-Ndola Road section from Kabwe to Ndola.
These works, encompassing reconstruction, rutting repair, crack sealing, and pothole patching, have substantially improved the road’s condition, enhancing safety and efficiency for commuters.
Eng. Grace Mutembo emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the backlog in road maintenance, which had persisted from 2013 to 2020 due to a concentration on construction and rehabilitation projects. By leveraging private sector investments, the RDA aims to bridge this gap and expedite progress on the Core Road Network.
To date, the Agency has successfully negotiated and signed seven PPP projects, including the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway and several other crucial routes essential for facilitating economic growth and regional connectivity.
The forum, attended by esteemed officials from the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Union (EU), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Millennium Challenge Account, underscores the collaborative efforts and international support towards Zambia’s infrastructure development goals.
With momentum building and partnerships flourishing, Zambia’s vision for a modernized and interconnected transportation network is steadily becoming a reality, promising socioeconomic benefits and opportunities for the nation and its people.
