The uprading of the Chipata - Mfuwe Road will greatly boost economic activities in Eastern Province by supporting tourism in Mfuwe and agricultural activities along the road corridor. 

 

The road will play a key role in supporting tourism in the area which has four national parks which are South Luangwa National Park, Luambe National Park, Lukusuzi and North Luangwa National Park.  The road will also contribute to poverty reduction in the province by facilitating the easy transportation of farm produce and inputs.   It will also support health care delivery and provide easier accessibility to schools in the area.  

President Rupiah Banda launched the K290 billion upgrading works on the 104 km Chipata - Mfuwe Road in Eastern Province at a ground breaking ceremony on 29th December, 2009.  The works started on December 18th, 2009 and are expected to be completed on 18th April, 2013. 

 

The Scope of Works on the Chipata - Mfuwe Road which is being upgraded from gravel to tar includes construction of drainage facilities, earth-works and construction of pavement layers of stabilized gravel and crushed stones.  Ancillary road works include the installation of kilometre marker posts, road signs and road line markings.  Other works comprise of maintenance and construction of structures such as the Lutembwe Bridge and a double bridge at Vinzu river crossing.

 

Speaking during the flag off ceremony, President Banda said the government was determined to diversify the economy from copper dependence and that this was the reason for implementing strong measures that would improve the tourism sector.  He said the tarring of the road would not only benefit the tourism sector in Malambo but also the residents of Chipata and Mambwe districts by facilitating easy transportation of people, goods and services.