UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe’s dismissal of a viral video showing defects on the Ndola–Sakania road has drawn scrutiny after Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo confirmed that sections of the project indeed fail to meet expected construction standards.
The video, recorded by a Zambian citizen and widely shared on social media, showed multiple patched sections of the road and what appeared to be poor workmanship along parts of the newly worked corridor. As the footage spread online, it triggered public concern about the quality of construction on one of the Copperbelt’s important transport routes.
Simuuwe responded to the circulating footage by labelling the video as fake and dismissing the claims being raised by road users online.
The issue took a different direction after government inspections were conducted.
Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo later addressed the matter and confirmed that concerns had emerged following assessments of the road.
Government has since raised concern about the quality of works on the Ndola–Sakania road, with officials indicating that sections of the project do not meet expected construction standards.
Matambo said inspections had revealed defects on certain parts of the road that would require corrective works by the contractor responsible for the construction.
The Ndola–Sakania route is an important transport corridor in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, linking the industrial city of Ndola to the border town of Sakania.
The road carries significant volumes of both commercial and cross-border traffic and serves as an important route for the movement of goods associated with mining activities in the region.
Authorities say the project was implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement designed to improve road infrastructure and facilitate more efficient transport along the corridor.
However, concerns emerged after inspections of completed sections of the road revealed deficiencies in certain areas.
Matambo said government had directed that the affected sections be addressed to ensure the road meets the required engineering standards.
Infrastructure projects of this scale normally involve several stages of inspection and quality assurance.
Engineers carry out periodic assessments during construction to ensure that materials used and construction techniques meet the specifications required for long-term durability.
When deficiencies are identified during such inspections, contractors may be required to undertake corrective works before projects are formally accepted.
The Ndola–Sakania road is considered a strategic route because of its role in supporting trade and transport between Zambia and neighbouring countries.
Border towns such as Sakania handle significant volumes of cargo, particularly goods linked to the Copperbelt’s mining sector.
Improving infrastructure along the route has therefore been viewed as important for strengthening economic activity and facilitating the movement of goods across the border.
Government officials say ensuring that road construction meets required standards is essential to protect public investment in infrastructure.
Poorly constructed roads can deteriorate quickly, resulting in additional maintenance costs and potential safety risks for road users.
Quality control in road construction projects therefore remains a central element of infrastructure management.
Engineering inspections typically focus on factors such as road surface strength, drainage systems and the durability of construction materials.
If any of these elements fail to meet established standards, contractors may be required to redo sections of the work.
Authorities say identifying defects during the construction phase helps prevent more serious deterioration once the road becomes fully operational.
Projects implemented under public-private partnership arrangements also involve contractual obligations that require contractors to meet specific performance standards.
Failure to meet those standards can lead to corrective works or other measures aimed at ensuring compliance.
Matambo said corrective works will be undertaken to ensure the Ndola–Sakania road ultimately meets the specifications required for long-term use.
PF Mealie meal was K130 breakfast and K90 roller meal. K100 could get you a bag of mealie meal actually. I will talk about this road dying even before it is even commissioned later
Do you expect him to admit anything?
Aba kufwa na no
This how ignorance magnifies challenges or misrepresents growth stages. The minor issues are seen as massive issues. QA is very important and needs to be understood in the process. I know what I am talking about as most only talk about what come after that, QC.
Ulimbe
Ivo vizungu nivako
Yes K100 had some value in PF days. Inajujuka manje mu UPND
@Nakapelele @Phiri Katete, lutilirani kusuzgika na kulindilira vinthu vyambura kulipiliska kwamuyirayira. Mwa nthowa, jisambizgani mwekha.
Mu kalapila… look at roads done by phoniex … donchi BM 2026
Thank you
Iwe ka Sam..Three patches on a road can not constitute a campaign issue. This over reaction by PF thugs only shows how very little the opposition have to say. The road is not irrepairable and the contructor has not been ordered to redo the entire road works.Dullards like Tiki are having a rare field day
Simuuwe caught pants down by his own minister. If i were him I would go and hide in a dark corner and never come out.
Dark corners are hard to find especially during election time.
Investigate Simuuwe! Why would he say that? In cahoots with the Contractor?
Ndola Mufulira road should be constructed by the Anti Corruption Commission. All corrupt contractors and government officials are hungrily waiting for nichekeleko on this project. Some were promised a share during Lungu’s time and they’ve been circling the project like hungry Luangwa Valley vultures.
Government inspectors responsible for that road should be sacked asap………..
You can wonder if GRZ has any inspectors………..
FWD2041