The Zambia National Service (ZNS) has pledged logistical, technical and manpower support to speed up the reopening of the Chingola–Chililabombwe Road on the Copperbelt after a section of the road was washed away by heavy rainfall.
The damage, which affected a bridge along the route, disrupted traffic between the two towns, cutting off Chililabombwe from the rest of the country and affecting businesses, emergency services and the movement of goods and people.
ZNS Commander Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II said the Service had been deployed following instructions from the Commander-in-Chief, President Hakainde Hichilema, who is concerned about the strategic importance of the road.
“When there is a disaster, we contribute efforts to get the job done,” Lt Gen Solochi II said during an inspection of the damaged stretch. He explained that the Defence Force was on the ground to support quick decision-making and ensure that an alternative route is opened within the shortest possible time.
He said ZNS would provide additional equipment and manpower, if required, to help open a detour and restore traffic flow between Chingola and Chililabombwe.
Lt Gen Solochi II noted that the road is being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and falls under the responsibility of AVIC International. However, he said the Joint Defence Force Task Force, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) and the Road Development Agency (RDA) were providing technical support, guidance and supervisory oversight.
He added that the affected section presents natural geological challenges requiring careful and sustained attention.
DMMU National Coordinator Norman Chipakupaku welcomed the collaboration, stating that the road is a critical economic corridor that must be urgently restored. He said efforts were being made to ensure the route is reopened within 48 hours, with teams working around the clock.
Chililabombwe District Commissioner Kelly Jibinga said the washed-away bridge is the only formal link connecting Chililabombwe to the rest of Zambia and that its damage had severely disrupted daily activities in the district.
Meanwhile, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi is expected to visit the site to provide further guidance on the way forward, taking into account the road’s PPP status.
