Sinjembele Member of Parliament Mubika Mubika has objected to the proposal by the Road Development Agency (RDA) to construct a new road from Senanga to Shangombo.
Mr. Mubika says the new road would be an expensive venture compared to rehabilitating the existing roads.
He pointed out that the venture would entail the construction of two bridges on the Zambezi River and importation of new earth moving machines.
Mr. Mubika explained that the new road is an 80 km stretch while the established road is much shorter.
The lawmaker noted that the proposed new road would disadvantage the welfare of the people in his constituency as transport costs to ferry their goods would be doubled thereby retarding development in the area.
Mr. Mubika , who is also Communications and Transport Deputy Minister said government is in a hurry to accelerate development hence the proposal by the RDA is misplaced.
He said the old Senanga to Shangombo road has enhanced the quick delivery of goods and services and advised the RDA to concentrate on maintaining the same road as opposed to unnecessary capital projects.
The Senanga/Shangombo road connects Sioma, Kalongola, Nagweshi and sub-boma with well established government infrastructures.
The RDA is reported to have approved the construction of the new road to be funded by the Danish government.
Meanwhile, the Mboyiwa feeder road has been washed away by floods experienced in Shangombo district.
Sinjembele Member of Parliament Mubika Mubika confirmed the development to ZANIS in an interview.
Mr. Mubika said culverts have been swept away and the people now using banana boats to ferry their goods across to the other side of the road.