Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi today officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Chikankata Road in Southern Province.
The Chikankata Road will be constructed at a cost of K369,386,682.01 over a period of 18 months by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in joint venture with Kaaz Concrete Solutions Limited
“We expect and demand that the contractor will adhere strictly to the agreed timelines and deliver works of the highest quality, as per specifications,” Hon. Eng. Milupi said today in Chikankata District during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Hon. Eng. Milupi said the New Dawn Government fully recognized that quality road infrastructure attracts investment, spurs trade and enables local enterprises and cooperatives to flourish.
“It is for this reason that we have moved decisively to upgrade the Chikankata Road which for far too long has been in a deplorable state.
“This area, known for maize and Irish potato farming, will benefit immensely from improved access to markets, reduced post-harvest losses, and lower transportation costs,” he said.
He added that Chikankata Road connects Chikankata District to the T1 (Trunk Road) highway, a major transport corridor and upgrading it will enhance mobility for residents, businesses, and service providers.
Hon. Eng. Milupi said on the social front, Chikankata Mission Hospital is one of the key health facilities in the Province and a better road will mean faster and safer access to medical services.
Hon. Eng. Milupi said students and teachers will also enjoy safer and more reliable transport, especially as new schools continue to be developed in the area.
“The development we are witnessing today is a direct result of the visionary leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, who is committed to taking development to all parts of the country, particularly those that were neglected in the past. The new dawn government believes in the equitable distribution of development,” he said.
Hon. Eng. Milupi said there were road projects being implemented in various parts of the country, while others were expected to start soon. Further, there were other road and bridge projects that had already been completed.
Hon. Eng. Milupi named some of the projects in Southern Province as: the construction of the Monze-Niko Road; rehabilitation of the Maamba-Batoka Road; and rehabilitation of the Monze-Mazabuka Road.
Road Development Agency (RDA) Board of Director Chairman, Eng. Eugene Haazele who was represented by Board Member, Eng. Clive Khan said this project marks a significant milestone in the continued efforts to improve Zambia’s road infrastructure and enhance connectivity across Provinces.
Eng. Haazele said Chikankata Road, which traverses the heart of Southern Province, is a lifeline for the district and communities it serves.
“As the Road Development Agency, we are proud to be part of this transformative journey. We continue to roll out our mandate of planning, managing, and implementing road infrastructure projects that meet the needs of the Zambian people,” he said.
He said the upgrading of the Chikankata Road will not only improve travel times and reduce vehicle operating costs, but it will also stimulate the local economy, create jobs, and enhance access to essential services.
Eng. Haazele encouraged the community to take ownership, support the project, and help safeguard the investment for future generations.
“I wish to call upon the community to be vigilant and report any vandalism of road furniture during construction, as well as pilferage of construction material like cement to relevant authorities,” he said.
The event was also attended by Chikankata Member of Parliament, Hon. Jacqueline Sabao, Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Dr. Namani Moonze, Chieftainess Mweenda and Salvation Army and Church, Territorial Commander, Col. Alfred Banda among others.
