The rehabilitation and upgrading of the US$ 79.8 million Katete-Chanida Road in Katete District of Eastern Province has reached an advanced stage.
The road with related border infrastructure, is being undertaken through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model between government and Lutembwe Consulting Company is expected to be completed within 24 months.
Speaking to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) when he toured the project, Information and Media Minister, Cornelius Mweetwa, said government was in anticipation that the works will be delivered in the stipulated time frame.
“For us as government we anticipate that it will be completed in the stipulated construction period,” he said.
Mr Mweetwa further stated that the commencement of the works on the Katete-Chanida Road and other roads within the country being undertaken under the PPP model was testament that the model works.
“With this road commencing to be constructed, in addition to other roads that have been done elsewhere like on the Copperbelt, government is satisfied with the PPP Model,” he said.
Mr Mweetwa said government will continue to invite the private sector to partner with them to deliver the much-needed infrastructure in the country.
The Choma Lawmaker, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, urged the business community to take advantage of the favourable business environment that government has created.
“The business community should take advantage of the good will of government to bring them on board to participate in the development of the country, particularly in infrastructure and the energy sectors,” he said.
Katete District Commissioner (DC) Raphael Phiri stressed the importance of smooth road infrastructure to the growth of the country’s economy.
“This road is so critical to the economy of Zambia because 70 percent of Zambia’s fuel passes through this road from the Port of Beira to Chanida Border up to all distribution points. It has very high traffic, even one of these big mines, their Copper passes through this road,” he said.
And Lutembwe Consulting Company Contracts Manager, Pardon Chatambudza updated the Minister on the progress of the road stating that it was at 35 percent.
And Eastern Region Road Development Agency (RDA) Senior Engineer Warren Chimfwembe said the institution was active on the ground to ensure that the product was delivered according to contract specification.
“As RDA we are working tirelessly in conjunction with the contractor to ensure that the works they are doing are conforming with the right specifications and design. So that at the end of the day we can have a good product of high quality and durability,” he said.
