REHABILITATION works on the Lusaka-Chirundu road Link 4 being constructed by China Henan International Corporation (CHICO) at the total cost of US$23.4 million has reached an advanced stage.
Road Development Agency (RDA) Lusaka Province regional manager Joseph Mwiinga disclosed that works on the 24.5 km road from the escarpment section to Chirundu border have advanced with physical progress standing at 50 percent.
Mr Mwiinga stated that the works would include approximately 2 km of the trans frontier works across the border into Zimbabwe.
He explained that the works by the Chinese construction conglomerate had accelerated with clearing and grubbing completed for the entire stretch, while 14.1 km of the diversion has been constructed.
Mr Mwiinga said the project was funded by the Africa Development Bank (ADB) and that 22.1 km of the road had already been widened.
“Rehabilitation works on the Lusaka to Chirundu road Link 4 being constructed by CHICO have reached an advanced stage. The project is funded by the ADB at a total cost of US $23.4 million. Works on the 24.5 km road from the escarpment section to Chirundu border are progressing at 50 percent. They will include approximately 2 km of the trans frontier works across the border into Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Mwiinga said culvert extensions had been covered on a 15.5 km section and that over 10 km of paving had been done.
The project was intended to improve comfort of driving as well as safety by widening of the carriageway.
Mr Mwiinga said works included clearing and grubbing, road bed formation, sub grade, crushed stone base and asphalt wearing course.
He also said that others were lining of drainage, culvert extension as well as road markings, adding that the improvement of the road would enhance trade between Zambia and neighbouring countries.
“The project is being supervised by the Swedish Consultants (SWECO) in association with BICON Zambia Limited and the contract is expected to be completed by February 2017. The improvement of the road will enhance trade between Zambia and Zimbabwe and the entire COMESA and SADC regions,” he said.
Why are we building roads in Zimababwe? I understand it is a border, however we are struggling to meet our own obligations why should we be building roads for these guys. I don’t think they have ever paid for any of our roads, infact they owe us for Kariba.
Its a question of “interests”. John Cicil Rhodes mulled the rail line from Cape Town to Cairo and yet he was not African but had a lot of interest. Zambia has also began to develop the pedicle road and already constructed the Chembe bridge on the Zambia DRC border because of interests. Zambia is moving from being “land locked” to “land linked” by these investments. Let us support good cause. Moreover this project is being funded by ADB and am sure the Zim factor is considered in the package and is too much detail for this publication.
Ken. Correct. And the icing on the cake is that it is being supervised by Mr Mwiinga.
@1.2 Senior Eng….How the supervision by Mwiinga become an icing on the cake??
But why with SWECO. The money for constructing the road will go to China and now even part of the money for consultancy will go to Sweden. I have very high regard for SWECO when it comes to hydropower projects. It designed Kafue Gorge Hydropower project as well as Itezhitezhi Dam. But design of roads, is the scope of works beyond our local road consultants capacity?
Whisper..
It’s because ECL owes Mugabe big time in mentorship fees & royalties.
Partly also to pay homage & gratitude for the election assistance rendered.
Even rehabilating a road still costs $1million per kilometre….really sad.
As life progresses, you will never find things cheaper as you expect. As time progresses, so should be your brains.
EXAGERATED FIGURES AS USUAL. SOMEONE IS BENIFITING BIG TIME.
Muzitasha mwebanthu. Bring yours which will cost $1000 per kilometre.