Construction of Kasomeno-Mwenda Road Set to Commence on April 1st
In a recent parliamentary session, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, announced that the long-awaited construction of the Kasomeno-Mwenda Road is slated to begin on April 1st, 2024.
This announcement comes after extensive deliberations and inquiries from Kawambwa MP, Nickson Chilangwe, regarding the timeline and financial status of the project.
The Kasomeno-Mwenda Road project, crucial for connecting Zambia with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has faced significant delays primarily attributed to challenges in achieving financial closure.
However, with an estimated project cost of US$180 million, the government, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has persisted in its efforts to secure necessary funding.
Highlighting the project’s scope, Minister Milupi outlined key components, including the construction of a 345-meter cable-stayed bridge spanning the Luapula River.
Additionally, plans include the establishment of One Stop Border Post Infrastructure on either side of the bridge, complete with parking and warehousing facilities, along with toll plazas to facilitate smooth passage.
The initial Concession Agreement, signed on August 5th, 2016, between the Zambian government and GED Projects Africa Zambia Limited, encompasses financing, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and tolling of the 186-kilometer new single carriageway road.
Notably, 94 kilometers of the road lie within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while the remaining 92 kilometers reside within Zambia’s territory.
Despite encountering setbacks, the project has received multiple extensions to secure financial closure, with the current deadline extended until March 31st, 2024.
Minister Milupi assured stakeholders that the project’s completion timeline has been set at three years, with an additional 22 years allocated for operation and maintenance.
