Road Development Agency (RDA) Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Nelson Chuma, has described the signing of the contract with Zhongmei Engineering Group Limited for the Output and Performance-Based Road Contract (OPRC) for Package 13A on the Copperbelt Province as an important milestone aimed at addressing the long-standing poor condition of roads in Chingola and Lufwanyama Districts.Road Development Agency (RDA) Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Nelson Chuma, has described the signing of the contract with Zhongmei Engineering Group Limited for the Output and Performance-Based Road contract (OPRC) for Package 13A on the Copperbelt Province as an important milestone aimed at addressing the long-standing poor condition of roads in Chingola and Lufwanyama Districts.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held today on 13th May 2026 at the RDA Conference Room, Eng. Chuma said the project marked a significant step towards improving road infrastructure and enhancing socio-economic development on the Copperbelt.
Eng. Chuma stated that the rehabilitation of the 112.2 kilometres of gravel roads under the project — comprising 33.6 kilometres in Chingola District and 78.6 kilometres in Lufwanyama District — would significantly improve accessibility for farming communities.
He said the upgraded roads would facilitate the transportation of farming inputs and movement of produce to markets while strengthening connectivity to the wider trunk, main and district road network.
He disclosed that the project would be implemented at a total contract sum of ZMW243,599,139.54 and completed within seven months.
Eng. Chuma further stated that the project would be financed under the USD200 million World Bank-funded Improved Rural Connectivity Project (IRCP), adding that the Government was accelerating implementation of key activities under the programme, with completion targeted for the end of 2026.
He noted that the government remained committed to achieving sustainable economic growth through the construction and rehabilitation of road infrastructure across the country, emphasizing that roads play a critical role in poverty reduction and economic transformation.
We take a personalized approach to ensure that every individual receives tailored support and guidance.Eng. Chuma highlighted the economic importance of Chingola District, describing it as a major mining hub dominated by the Nchanga Copper Mine, one of the largest open-pit mines in the world.
He explained that the district was strategically connected through trunk roads linking Zambia to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Solwezi, Angola and other major towns such as Kitwe, Ndola and Kapiri Mposhi. He added that Chingola also had strong agricultural potential, with farmers producing maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, groundnuts and vegetables, while opportunities also existed in livestock and fish farming.
He further noted that although manufacturing and tourism sectors in Chingola were still underdeveloped, the district possessed significant potential, citing tourist attractions such as Kapisha Hot Springs, the Chimpfunshi Chimpanzee Orphanage and the Akabashi Campsite.
Speaking on Lufwanyama District, Eng. Chuma described it as one of the largest yet least developed districts on the Copperbelt Province, accounting for a third of the province’s land area despite having a small population. He said the district had strong agricultural prospects, with farmers growing maize, sorghum, millet, sweet potatoes and vegetables that supply markets in Kitwe, Kalulushi and Ndola.
He also revealed that the district was home to the Kagem Emerald Mine, which contributes approximately 20 percent of the world’s emerald production, while mineral exploration activities for copper were ongoing in the western part of the district. Additionally, he pointed to the Lunga Luswishi Game Reserve as a tourism asset with untapped potential.
And Mr. Wu Quanbing, the Representative of Zhongmei Engineering Group Limited, assured that the works will be completed on time.
He further assured that his firm will deliver quality work.
