Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi today commissioned the Luombwa ACROW Bridge in the Nansanga Farm Block in Serenje District.
The Luombwa ACROW Bridge was constructed and installed by the Road Development Agency (RDA), through the Provincial Roads Engineer of Central Province and his team at a cost of K6.9 million.
Hon. Eng. Milupi said the newly constructed Luombwa ACROW Bridge would benefit over 2,000 residents, providing a vital link to schools, clinics, markets, and businesses, thereby improving access to essential services and economic opportunities.
“This bridge will facilitate the movement of goods and services, boost economic activities, and improve the livelihoods of the people of Serenje. Our goal is to ensure that our people travel safely, efficiently, and affordably,” he said.
Hon. Eng. Milupi also highlighted some other major road projects the Government was undertaking and would work on, and among them was the Serenje-Mpika Road which would be rehabilitated with support from the World Bank.
He said the procurement process was ongoing for rehabilitation works on the Serenje-Mpika Road.
On the Mpika-Chinsali Road, the Minister said the project was receiving financial support from the European Investment Bank, and the contractor was expected to be on site in the next two months.
Central Province Minister, Hon. Mwabashike Nkulukusa, the bridge is a strategic investment in the province and would boost mining and agricultural sectors.
“This bridge will reduce production costs, improve the transportation of goods, and attract more economic activities,” he said.
RDA Board Chairperson, Eng. Mulchand Kuntawala said the Agency had to date completed and commissioned 12 ACROW Bridge whilst 3 others are almost ready for commissioning in the next couple of months.
Eng. Kuntawala assured the Government that the RDA Board and Management remained committed and dedicated to successfully implementing the ACROW Bridge Programme, which when fully executed, will result in construction of 131 ACROW Bridges over various water bodies across the country.
” In addition, 10 other ACROW Bridges are planned to be constructed this year within the financial envelope available,” he said.
He said the Luombwa ACROW Bridge, like many others, had been assembled, constructed, and erected using the Agency’s internal engineering personnel through the financial resources under the Force Account.
“This is a testament that we now have skilled and competent staff that are geared to undertake the much-needed road and bridge projects in the country,” he said.
Eng. Kuntawala said the old Luombwa Bridge in Nansanga Farm Block had deteriorated, and safety was being compromised, requiring an urgent need to construct another bridge.
He said the Luombwa ACROW Bridge is 51.67 metres long, and the scope of works included:
1. Excavation and construction of abutments;
2. Construction of two lines of relief culverts;
3. Construction of approach roads;
4. Erosion protection of abutments and embankments; and
5. Assembly of prefabricated components and launching of the ACROW Bridge.
