Progress Announced on Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway PPP Project
The National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) and the Road Development Agency (RDA) have jointly announced significant progress on the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, with a scheduled handover of three toll gates to the Macro Ocean Investment Consortium (MOIC) on November 30, 2024. This transition aligns with the concession agreement aimed at upgrading the road to a dual carriageway.
The toll gates affected by this handover are located at Katuba (between Lusaka and Kabwe), Manyumbi (between Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi), and Kafulafuta (between Kapiri Mposhi and Ndola). Despite the transition, NRFA Public Relations Manager Alphonsius Hamachila assured motorists that there would be no disruption to tolling operations. Key features, including the electronic card payment platform, will remain operational.
Toll fees collected at the three gates will be directed into an ESCROW account jointly controlled by the government and the concessionaire, ensuring the maintenance of the existing road until MOIC fully assumes operations and maintenance of the new dual carriageway.
In line with government policy on economic transformation and job creation, measures have been put in place to safeguard the jobs of the 127 staff members affected by the toll gate transition. Employees will have the option to continue working with the NRFA at other toll stations or to separate from the agency to be employed by the concessionaire under new conditions. Those opting for separation will receive terminal packages in accordance with applicable laws and contracts.
RDA Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager Anthony Mulowa highlighted that the concession agreement, signed on February 28, 2023, has a total project cost of approximately $649.98 million. Construction activities are underway across four sections: from Lusaka to Chibombo, Chibombo to Kapiri Mposhi, Kapiri Mposhi to Ndola, and along the Masangano-Fisenge-Luanshya Road.
The project will also see the construction of two new toll plazas—one on the Masangano-Fisenge-Luanshya Road and the other between Chibombo and Kabwe. A new weighbridge is set to be built at Kafulafuta, with the existing facility at Kapiri Mposhi undergoing upgrades.
Since the groundbreaking ceremony officiated by President Hakainde Hichilema on May 21, 2024, the project has made substantial strides, with 13% progress reported on the Lusaka-Ndola stretch and 70% completion on the Masangano-Fisenge-Luanshya Road.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to consulting all stakeholders throughout this transition process, ensuring the successful implementation of the PPP financing model. This model aims to optimize public resources for other national priorities while developing essential road infrastructure.
For further updates on the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway PPP project, motorists and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed through official channels from the NRFA and RDA.
