The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development through the Road Development Agency (RDA) has signed a contract to upgrade to bituminous standard approximately 80 kilometres of the Katunda-Lukulu-Watopa-Mumbezhi Road (Lot 1) in Western Province, marking a significant milestone in strengthening national road infrastructure and boosting economic activities in the province.
The contract was signed at Mulungushi International Conference Centre by acting RDA Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Jairos M’hango and AVIC International Project Engineering Company Deputy Director, Bo Yang at a contract sum of K1, 430,339,436.84 VAT inclusive. The duration of the project is 30 months.
The event was graced by Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi, MP who urged the people of Western Province to take advantage of the road to start farming and business on the route.
Eng. Milupi said the scope of works includes but is not limited to:
1. Clearing and grubbing.
2. Cut and fill construction operations.
3. Construction of drainage structures.
4. Widening of the existing road embankment.
5. Construction of selected subgrade, gravel subbase and cement stabilised base layers.
6. Surfacing with double seal surface dressing.
7. Provision of road signs and providing marking; and
8. Provision of guard rails and other ancillary works.
The event was also attended by Members of Parliament (MPs) in Constituencies the road traverses. These are Mitete MP, Hon. Misheck Mutelo, Lukulu East MP, Hon. Dr. Christopher Kalila, Kaoma MP, Hon.Gen. Sitwala Sitwala and Mangango MP, Hon. Luhamba Mwene (virtually). Also in attendance was the Provincial Minister, Hon. Kapelwa Mbangweta.
Parliamentarians from Western Province expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for prioritizing infrastructure development as a key pillar of economic growth and stability. They noted that the Katunda–Lukulu–Watopa–Mumbezhi Road had remained a long-standing campaign promise under previous administrations but is now finally being fulfilled under the New Dawn Government.
Road Development Agency (RDA) Board Chairperson, Eng. Eugene Haazele, assured the government that the Agency will rigorously monitor its operations to ensure the contractor deliver value for money and construct the road that meet required standards within agreed timelines.
He announced that the Contractor will mobilise on site in the next two weeks.
Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development
Public Relations Unit.
