Government has directed AVIC International to complete construction of the temporary detour at Kakoso Bridge in Chililabombwe within 24 hours.
Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi issued the directive during an inspection of the damaged bridge. He said government is keen to see the works concluded promptly to allow stranded motorists to resume their daily activities.
The minister assessed the damage caused by the collapse and reviewed the ongoing efforts to temporarily restore access. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.
“My instruction is that the bridge be completed as soon as possible; we have no time to waste. Let us cut hours off the ultimatum of 48 hours if we can,” Mr. Milupi said.
The main bridge collapsed on Saturday evening following a heavy downpour, cutting off Chililabombwe from the rest of the Copperbelt Province.
Heavy machinery has since been deployed to restore access along the busy route leading to the Kasumbalesa Border, one of Zambia’s key trade gateways.
Teams from AVIC International, the Zambia National Service, the Zambia Army, Konkola Copper Mines, and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit are working together to address the situation.
Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo thanked government for its swift response and assured motorists that works to complete the temporary by-pass route would be finalised soon.
Ba Elotea in the Lusaka high court, Bank of Zambia lost a significant case last week against a Nigerian investor but you are silent about it. BOZ will end up paying $40 million and you tend to think this should be ignored?
If you believe the headline something is wrong
who gives any contractor 24 hours and what will happen if the project is not completed suspend the dual carrigeway
Only us mortals allow such threats if it can be called that
Such instructions are not necessary. Even the most ruthless colonial master would not go that far.