Solwezi Central Member of Parliament Stafford Mulusa has refuted social media reports alleging that the Zambia-Kimasala road under construction by JDCon Zambia construction company, was washed off due to poor quality works following the Saturday, October 25th, downpour.
Social media reports indicated that the Zambia-Kimasala road which is one of the roads being constructed under the 10.1 kilometer Solwezi township roads project, funded by the central government was left dilapidated after heavy rains which were experienced in Solwezi yesterday.
However, speaking to the media in Solwezi today, Mr Mulusa clarified that the road remains intact, explaining that the minor damage witnessed is normal as it is near the bridge.
“The corrosion that we saw is just before the bridge which is normal because there is a bridge that is being made so they have left a space in between for the bridge to be completed”, he said.
Mr Mulusa who is also Government Chief Whip assured residents that the project will be completed to standard and will greatly improve connectivity once fully done.
“We as leaders are monitoring the constructor, myself, the council and the PS’s office are all monitoring and we will not allow shoddy works,” he assured.
Mr Mulusa added that the government is spending money for the benefit of the community, further urging members of the public to exercise patience and allow the contractor to complete the project.
The MP also warned individuals spreading false information to desist from misleading the public, saying such actions undermine government’s development efforts.
“I am actually very disappointed with people on social media, you know, incorrect messages move very fast but there is no road that is washed away in kimasala, I was forced to move on the roads to check on what was happening and I am requesting that those on social media should not underestimate the works so far and I want to caution most of those who are very much opposition who want to see us fail,” said Mr Mulusa.
The MP stressed that from engagements with the contractor, he was assured of the last layer which is asphalt to be put on the road by Wednesday this week.
“What we saw there is that the contractor laid down the stone base and the stone base is already done, what is remaining is the black top which is the final top of the tarmac and you know because it is asphalt immediately they do it we are going to see that road users will go back to the road and Iam informed that by Wednesday we will have the process of the final layer being put,” he said.
He has however called on members of the public to disregard social media reports regarding the road.
“Of course we had a very heavy downpour a day before and it went on until yesterday morning, but that road is intact,” he said.
