What We Do

The RDA was established under the Public Roads Act No. 12 of 2002. The Agency became operational in 2006 and its mandate as provided for by the Act is to provide for the care, maintenance and construction of public roads in Zambia; to regulate maximum weights permissible for transmission on roads among other things.

RDA remains resolved and determined to oversee the completion of all key infrastructure projects such as the Link Zambia 8000, Pave Zambia 200, Improved Rural Connectivity Project (IRCP), National Road Tolling Programme (NRTP), and other major projects with a focused approach and renewed vigor as set forth in the Strategic Plan in its quest to transform the nation into a truly land-linked country.

Further, the Tolls Act No. 14 of 2011 bestows the mandate to implement of the National Road Tolling Programme (NRTP). The Tolls Act provides for the management of toll roads, provide for private sector participation in the tolling of roads including appointing toll collecting agents, among others.
In executing its mandate, the Agency takes the leading role in the development and execution of the Road Sector Annual Work Plan (RSAWP). In this regard, the Agency executes the RSAWP in collaboration with other Road Sector institutions, like the NRFA and the RTSA.

The mandate of the RDA is highlighted in Section 4 (2) of the Public Road Act of 2002 as amended by Act No. 9 of 2022 which highlights the following functions:
a) Carrying out routine and emergency maintenance of public roads;
b) Conducting feasibility studies for the development, maintenance and improvement of the road network in Zambia;
c) Recommending to the Minister the appointment of any person or institution as a road authority as well as provide technical assistance to the road authorities;
d) Receiving and considering reports from road authorities on their activities and preparing quarterly and consolidated annual reports;
e) Preparing and reviewing terms of reference and guidelines for road authorities including budget guidelines;
f) Making recommendations in relation to siting of buildings on road-sides;
g) In consultation with the National Road Fund Agency, recommending to the Minister for funding for development of new roads;
h) In consultation with the owners of property served by an estate road and the National Road Fund Agency, determine the proportion of the cost of construction and maintaining an estate road to be borne by such owners;
i) Preparing and awarding contracts and certifying works for public roads;
j) Reviewing design standards and classification of roads and traffic signs;
k) Planning and co-ordinating the road network in the country; and
l) Enforcing axle load control (Vehicle load management) , and
m) Carry out any other activities relating to roads which are necessary or conducive to the performance of its functions under the Act.

In addition, the Tolls Act No. 14 of 2011 in (4) mandates the Agency to:

a) Regulate the operation and maintenance of toll roads;
b) Monitor compliance of concessionaires with the terms and conditions of concession agreements;
c) Advise the Minister on the design, construction, safety, regulation, operation and maintenance of toll roads; and
d) Perform such other function as may be conferred by, or under, this Act or any other law.