Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi has today launched works to upgrade to bituminous standard approximately 98 kilometres of the Blue Lagoon Road from Farmers Junction turnoff on Mumbwa Road to Muchabi Secondary and Primary Schools and 7 kilometres into the Blue Lagoon National Park.
The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, through the Road Development Agency (RDA) has entered into a contract with China Civil Engineering and Kaaz Concrete Solutions Limited Joint Venture (JV) to undertake the works.
Speaking during the Groundbreaking Ceremony held in Shibuyunji District today, Hon. Eng. Milupi said the contract also included Package 2, with three important feeder roads that link surrounding communities which are: the 22.5 kilometres road between Situmbeko and Chimbotela; the 16 kilometres connection from Situmbeko to Mutumbi; and the 38.5 kilometres route linking Kasalu to Keezwa.
The contract sum for the two packages is K1,123,708,343.63.
“It is however important to note that today’s Groundbreaking Ceremony is for Phase 1, which is 98 kilometres of the Blue Lagoon Road from Farmers Junction turnoff on Mumbwa Road to Muchabi Secondary and Primary Schools and 7 kilometres into the Blue Lagoon National Park.
“The New Dawn Government of his Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema has prioritised economic revival and growth as the main driver of our social transformation and development agenda. Our government believes that once the economy is back on track, it will be easier to mobilise finance to sustain social programmes needed to address poverty and improve the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
Hon. Eng. Milupi said the Government in the undertaking to revive the economy considered the road sector as one of the most important drivers of the economic recovery plan.
“Good quality roads promote efficiency in the movement and delivery of goods, services, and people, and are a pre-requisite for enhanced economic activity growth and poverty alleviation,” he said.
He urged the contractor to ensure adherence to the Government Policy on quality of works and timely delivery of projects.
Hon. Eng. Milupi also emphasised the Government’s Policy of job creation for locals as such important projects were opportunities for our people to be offered work.
“ Further, Government expects the project to offer opportunities to small-scale contractors through sub-contracting of a portion of works. this is government policy and must be implemented without fail,” he added.
The event was also attended by Central Province Minister, Hon. Mwabashike Nkulukusa, Mwembeshi Member of Parliament, Hon. Machila Jamba, Mumbwa Central Member of Parliament, Hon. Credo Nanjuwa and Chilanga Member of Parliament, Hon. Sipho Hlazo.
We take a personalized approach to ensure RDA Board of Directors Chairperson, Eng. Euguen Haazele said the project was of strategic importance in enhancing connectivity, supporting economic activities, and improving access to essential services.
Eng. Haazele said the contract was signed on 9th May 2025 with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Kaaz Concrete Lolutions Limited (JV) and Bicon Zambia Limited are the Consultants for the project.
The contract duration period is 18 months with a defect liability period of three years.
He said the scope involved in the upgrading of approximately 98 kilometres of the road to bituminous standard includes the following key components:
1. Clearing and grubbing and earthworks;
2. Pavement layers of gravel lower subbase, cement stabilized gravel upper subbase and cement stabilized gravel base with double seal surface dressing;
3. Construction of Lundashi Bridge, to consist of two spans of each 15 metres, composite concrete-steel girder deck supported on abutments and singular pier providing support at mid span;
4. Construction of Muchabi Bridge, to consist of a single span of 20 metres, composite concrete-steel girder deck supported on1 abutments;
5. Construction of box and pipe culverts;
6. Construction of concrete drains, mitre drains and stone pitching and other erosion protection features;
7. Installation of street solar lights;
8. Road finishing and landscaping;
9. Road signs and markings;
10. Protection and implementation of environmental and social management and health and safety plans.
Eng. Haazele said preparations at the contractor’s main site camp, located approximately 30 kilometres along the Blue Lagoon Road from the Mumbwa (M9) intersection—are currently in progress.
Eng. Haazele said according to the timeline outlined in the approved programme of works, the contractor began setting up the site on June 1, 2025, with all establishment activities expected to be completed within a 92-day period, ending on August 31, 2025.
He assured the Government of the Board and Management’s firm commitment and dedication to successfully implement the Blue Lagoon Road Project and associated works.
“This will be done within Governments Policy directive of the right price, specified quality, and delivered timely,” he said.
