Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hon. Eng. Charles Milupi has assured the Angolan government that Zambia remains resolute to construct a road to connect the two countries.
Hon. Milupi says the government is in the process of finding a suitable contractor to construct the Jimbe-Ikelenga – Mwinilunga road in North-Western Province through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model of financing.
Speaking when he met outgoing Angolan Ambassador to Zambia, Azevedo Francisco, Hon. Milupi said Government’s resolve is to ensure that there is a road connectivity between the two countries.
The Minister has also said Zambia and Angola are enjoying cordial bilateral relations which have seen the two countries recently sign Memoranda of Understanding in various sectors.
And Mr. Francisco said his country is next Month, April starting to construct the road from Luau to Jimbe, a project which will take Three (3) years to finish.
He also announced that the Angolan Airline will next month start its flights into Lusaka.
The Out-going Angolan envoy added that an exchange programme in medical personnel is also starting this year between the two countries.
He said these programmes speak to the fact that the two countries have no doubt taken their bilateral relations to another level.
And Mr. Francisco said Zambia will always remain close to his heart adding that even as he relocates to his next post in Argentina, he will continue to closely follow the projects he has initiated.
Recently President Hakainde Hichilema undertook a state visit to Angola which saw Zambia and Angola sign an MoU on cooperation to facilitate the construction of the Zambia/Angola connection road via the Jimbe border between Zambia’s Ikelengi district in the North-Western province and Angola’s town of Luau.
The two countries also committed to the construction of the Malundo-Sikongo border road in Western Province. MIHUD/PRO.
