Minister Milupi Commissions K7.7 Million Kimasala-Mushitala Bridge

Zambia’s Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi, officially commissioned the K7.7 million Kimasala-Mushitala Bridge, which connects Mushitala and Kansanshi Mine to Kimasala, Zambia Compound, the airport, and the Central Business District.

Before the construction of the bridge, the local residents faced significant challenges in movement and delivery of goods and services. Hon. Eng. Milupi highlighted that the bridge’s completion has significantly decongested the Kansanshi-Miteke Road, which often experiences heavy traffic during peak hours.

“The Mushitala-Kimasala Bailey Bridge, constructed at a cost of K7,711,656.92 by the Road Development Agency (RDA) Provincial Office, provides an alternative connection from Solwezi West to the East,” Hon. Milupi stated. “This development exemplifies the New Dawn Government’s commitment under President Hakainde Hichilema to bring equitable progress across all parts of the country.”

Construction of the bridge began in 2015, but it was expedited and completed under the current government, opening up to traffic in a remarkably short period. RDA Board Chairperson, Eng. Mulchand Kuntawala, noted that the project, which started under Force Account in 2015, was initially motivated by the need for an alternative route to connect the western and eastern parts of Solwezi town. The original design was a three-span, 48.8-meter composite bridge.

However, the project faced delays due to funding issues, with progress at 40% when stalled. Eng. Kuntawala explained that high water levels and increased material costs necessitated a change in design from a composite bridge to a bailey bridge. Funds were released in June 2021 to transport the bailey bridge components from Mongu in Western Province to Solwezi.

The revised scope of work included transporting the bailey bridge components, improving the two access roads, constructing embankments, extending the bearing shelf, assembling and launching the prefabricated steel superstructure, and casting concrete approach slabs and retaining walls. These works were completed on April 30, 2024, and the bridge was opened to traffic.

“This project is a testament to the importance of undertaking projects within the financial resource envelope,” Eng. Kuntawala said. “Delivering road projects to our citizens must be done at the right price, with the right quality, and within the right time frame.”