Stakeholders Applaud Hichilema Over Lusaka-Kafue Dual Carriageway and New Road Contracts

Government's sustained investment on road infrastructure has drawn praise from stakeholders, who say the latest projects will strengthen connectivity, spur economic growth, generate employment and reinforce Zambia's transport network.

The Zambia National Students' Union (ZANASU) has thrown its support behind President Hakainde Hichilema following his announcement of plans to build a dual carriageway linking Lusaka to Kafue Bridge. The union believes the road will relieve congestion and improve the flow of people and goods along one of the nation's most heavily used corridors. Mr Hichilema unveiled the plan while meeting the Kafue community on Sunday.

Ephraim Chifunda, ZANASU deputy secretary and president of the University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus, said the carriageway would boost trade by allowing goods to move more efficiently to and from the capital. He pointed to progress on the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway as evidence the Kafue project would likewise be completed successfully and within a sensible budget.

Elsewhere, Social Enterprise Zambia executive director Metrinah Mumba welcomed the Road Development Agency's decision to award contracts for rehabilitating the Chipata-Lundazi Road and upgrading the 212-kilometre Livingstone-Sesheke Road. The Sesheke work goes to Sinohydro Corporation Limited alongside Nchifar Enterprises Limited, while China Geo-Engineering Corporation takes on Chipata-Lundazi. Ms Mumba said the schemes would benefit trade, tourism and jobs, but called for tougher community commitments in future tenders.

Nchifar operations manager Charles Mwanamakondo added that awarding major contracts to local firms strengthens Zambia's construction sector, noting the Kitwe Urban Roads Project is roughly 50 per cent complete.