President Hichilema Orders 48-Hour Emergency Detour After Kakoso Bridge Collapse

President Hakainde Hichilema has ordered the immediate formation of a task force to restore traffic flow between Chingola and Chililabombwe after the collapse of the Kakoso Bridge, which has disrupted a critical transport route on the Copperbelt.

The task force, comprising the Zambia National Service (ZNS), the Zambia Army, and AVIC International, has been mobilised to construct a temporary detour within 48 hours to ease the impact on affected communities and motorists.

Speaking during an inspection of the collapsed bridge in Chililabombwe, ZNS Commander Maliti Solochi confirmed that the government is taking a hands-on approach to the crisis. He emphasised that despite the road project operating under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with AVIC International, the government will not stand aside and leave the Chinese contractor to manage the emergency response alone.

Commander Solochi described the situation as a matter of national importance, adding that the government will provide every necessary resource to ensure connectivity between the two towns is restored as quickly as possible.

Norman Chipakupaku, National Coordinator of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), urged the public and motorists to exercise patience while the detour is under construction. He assured residents that all efforts are being directed toward minimising disruption and ensuring safety during the recovery period.

AVIC International Project Supervisor Ma Wenjie confirmed that full reconstruction of the Kakoso Bridge will commence once the temporary detour has been completed, allowing traffic to be rerouted while permanent repairs are carried out.