Roads upgrade delay worries residents

SOME Kitwe residents are concerned that the road rehabilitation works in the Central Business District (CBD) is taking long to start as the rainy season is just three months away.

But Kitwe District Commissioner (DC) Binwell Mpundu said authorities were waiting for the contractor, AVIC International to come up with a work schedule.

The residents, mostly motorists said the delay in starting the road rehabilitation in the CBD was source of concern and so relevant authorities should ensure that the programme starts before the rainy season

Stanley Mwansa, a bus driver said they had held a meeting with the Mayor Christopher Kang'ombe and Mr Mpundu regarding road rehabilitation in the CBD, but works were yet to start.

"As Noah bus drivers, we are psychologically prepared for any inconveniences that may come with road rehabilitation in the CBD because we know it will benefit us, and the city, but we are surprised that the works are not starting,” he said.

Mr Mwansa's sentiments were supported by other Kitwe residents who are eager to see the start of road rehabilitation.

Mary Tembo, a nurse said a good road infrastructure woulf add beauty and value to the city because currently, it was rugged with potholes.

"We have been to Lusaka where roads have been done nicely and we would like to see Kitwe being given a face-lift in road rehabilitation, but the delay is worrying us,'' Ms Tembo said.

But Mr Mpundu said the district was waiting for the contractor, AVIC International to come up with a work schedule.

"The meeting we held last time with the Kitwe Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other stakeholders was aimed at informing them about road rehabilitation works in the CBD,.

"So, we are waiting for the contractor, AVIC International to come up with a work schedule. We are hoping that the contractor could move on site,'' Mr Mpundu said.

The roads to be rehabilitated in the CBD include Oxford, Kingstone, Langashe, Chisokone, Matuka and Independence Avenue.