Zambia today commissioned the first ever-electronic weighbridge constructed at the cost of K3.4 billion, in Kapiri Mposhi, Central Province.
The weighbridge has been co-financed by the European Union and the Royal Norwegian
government.
Speaking when he commissioned the weighbridge, Works and Supply Minister, Kapembwa
Simabo said government has already passed legislation that would manage the axle
load control in the country.
He warned truckers and other drivers for big vehicles against overloading.
Mr. Simbao said the new legislation, which allows for stiff punishment of truck
drivers, owner of the trucks, consignor, consignee of goods on the truck and the
weighbridge operators abetting overloading will be effective next month.
“I am pleased to inform you that one of the components of the programme is the
construction of eight (8) electronic weighbridges to be spread through out the
country. The Kapiri Mposhi weighbridge is the first one to be completed,” he said.
Mr. Simbao has since appealed to councils around the country to allocate land to his
ministry to enable it put up more weighbridges, which he said would significantly
contribute to the protection of public roads from being damaged over a short period
of time.
The minister further emphasised the importance to maintain roads periodically and
routinely in order to keep them in good condition.
He explained that overloading and lack of periodical and routine maintenance would
result into higher vehicle operating costs, higher transportation costs, increased
traveling time and consequently have an effect on the economy of the country.
And speaking at the same function, Norwegian Minister of Transport and
Communications, Lev Signe Navarsete said investment in road infrastructure must be
guarded jealously by controlling overloading.
Ms. Navarsete congratulated the Zambian government for embarking on a huge
investment that would largely control axle load.
Meanwhile, Head of delegation of the EU Commission in Zambia, Derek Fee said
overloading on Zambia’s public roads was between 40 per cent and 55 percent for
gross vehicle mass, a situation that contributed to the reduced lifespan of the
roads.
Mr. Fee also disclosed that EU would pump 90 million Euros sector budget support for
the periodic maintenance of 5,500 kilometre of trunk, main and core national road
network in the country.
ZANIS
Thumbs up to the Norwegian Government
I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Norwegian government and the tax payers in that country, for the assistance they are rendering to Zambia in many areas and particularly to the road network.
The construction of weigh bridge in Kapiri District could not have come at a better time than now. It is saddening to see how most of the trucks are overloaded on the Zambian roads and also bearing in mind the damage such acts impact on our roads, let alone the economy. Most of these trucks even pass through the already existing weigh bridges such as Kafulafuta and Kafue to mention but afew, without being impounded.
This simply shows how corrupt the weigh bridge personnel are. I am happy to hear that so far 3 have since been fired for corrupt acts, this is commendable to the ACC and the Road Agency. The impending inactment of new laws, which will have stiffer punishment for truckers found wanting is long overdue. Whoever in governement is carrying out this responsibility of inacting this law must hasten and curb the vice, which has left most of our roads in a deplorable state.
The recent mobile weigh bridges operations, i have seen on two occassions stationed at the Chingola Solwezi turn off, is commendable as well. Keep it up. Though, i have not see any one of the overloading truckers being punished, despite these teams impounding alot of trucks. The Anti Corruption Commission personnel must atleast work with these teams as corrupt acts with these mobile weigh bridge personnel cannot be ruled out.
In short lets work had to preserve our Zambian roads.
Mutale – DR Congo Kolwezi