Govt Signs K1.3B Road Contracts for Chikankata and Samfya–Kasaba Upgrades
The Government, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has signed two major road contracts aimed at improving key transport links in Southern and Luapula Provinces.
The agreements, signed today at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, cover the upgrading of the D387 Road from T1 to Chikankata in Southern Province, and the upgrading to bituminous standard of approximately 80 kilometres of the Samfya–Kasaba Road via Lubwe, including 5 kilometres of township roads in Lubwe, Luapula Province.
The contracts were signed by Acting RDA Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Jairos M’hango, and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Managing Director, Jacques Liao.
Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi, hailed the development as a demonstration of the New Dawn Government’s commitment to delivering improved road infrastructure nationwide.
“The Chikankata Road has been in a deplorable state for a very long time, and it has taken the New Dawn Government to upgrade this vital route at a cost of K369,386,682.01,” he said.
“Additionally, the upgrading of approximately 80 kilometres of the Samfya–Kasaba Road via Lubwe, including township roads in Lubwe, has been long overdue. Today’s contract signing, valued at K937,929,384.70, marks a significant milestone.”
Hon. Milupi emphasised that the Government remained committed to enhancing Zambia’s core road network, even amidst financial constraints, saying, “This is indeed walking the talk.”
The ceremony was also attended by Fisheries and Livestock Minister, Hon. Eng. Peter Kapala, who hails from Lubwe, and Chikankata Member of Parliament, Hon. Jaqueline Sabao.
RDA Board Chairperson, Eng. Eugene Haazele, called on the contractor to uphold all environmental and social obligations during the projects.
CCECC’s Managing Director, Jacques Liao, assured the Government of high-quality works and pledged to employ local labour for both projects.
