Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the construction of the 145 kilometers road from Kolwezi in the DRC to Lumwana in Zambia via the Kambimba-Sakabinda border posts.
The MoU seeks to define the corporation framework between Zambia and Congo on the implementation of the road and border infrastructure connecting the two countries.
The two countries have also committed towards the establishment of a one stop border post on the road.
The MoU was signed in Kolwezi Lualaba Province by Zambia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Eng Charles Milupi and Congolese Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works Hon Alexis Muvunyi.
Speaking shortly before the signing Ceremony, Hon. Milupi emphasized the need for Zambia and Congo to strengthen economic and trade ties through the improvement of road network connectivity and upgrading of border infrastructure.
The Minister said the construction of the Kolwezi-Sakabinda-Kambimba Road and the border infrastructure is an important route for the transportation of minerals from the two countries.
“Your Excellence, it is our request as Zambia that we undertake the development of this route and corresponding road and border infrastructure in a coordinated manner and ensure it operates as a one stop border to ensure the smooth flow of people, services and goods across the border”. The Minister said.
Hon. Milupi further announced that the Zambian government is seriously considering the upgrading of the pedicle road and establishement of a one stop border post in chembe on the luapula river.
Meanwhile Mr. Muvunyi said the Sakabinda-Kambimba road is crucial in enhancing the country’s infrastructure, which can positively impact economic growth, trade, and quality of life for citizens in both countries.
“For us as DRC, we have committed ourselves to the timely delivery of this project as it provides us with the shorter link to most African ports for the transportation of our minerals “ Mr. Mavunyi said.
He said the road will also increase regional and continental integration thereby reducing on barriers to trade.
And Lualaba Province Governor Fifi Masuka Saini said the road once complete will open new and shorter routes for mining companies in the DRC to the export markets.
She. said Lualaba province, holding 65 percent of the worlds most crucial minerals such as cobalt and Copper necessary for electric vehicles manufacturing needs to hasen the connectivity for easy transportation of the said minerals.
On the Zambian side, government has engaged Sandstone Consortium Limited to construct the 85 kilometers road and upgrade border infrastructure under the Public Private Partnership model of financing while the Congolese government has contracted Toha Investment limited to work on the 60 kilometer stretch from Congo to the border facility.
Currently works have commerced on the Zambian side while the contractor from the Congolese side is expected to mobilize on site mid-December.
Hon Milupi is accompanied to the DRC by Northwestern Permanent Secretary Rtd Colonel Gladson Katambi and the PPP Council members.
