Zambia, DRC link project advances

THE construction of the Kasomeno-Mwenda toll road and Luapula Bridge that will connect Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to begin in March this year.

According to authorities the Kasomeno road in Katanga and Mwenda in Luapula Province link would end the Kasumbalesa congestion.

The road link will cut the travelling distance between the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Lubumbashi in DRC by 300 kilometres.

Zambia and DRC have since signed a statement that compels the two countries to stick to timelines.

The joint statement contained resolutions after three days of engagements by the joint technical committee.

Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa, Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Vincent Mwale and Water Development and Environmental Protection Minister Raphael Nakachinda represented Zambia.

Charles Mushota, the Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, led the technical team which also comprised Road Development Agency Chief Executive Officer George Manyele, Luapula Province Investment Coordinator Joseph Maopu and Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development Chief Planner Bernard Mumba. Mr Mwale said the time for paperwork was over now and that the two countries had resolved pending issues that could have delayed the project.

The minister said it was unacceptable that more time had been lost on talking than doing the actual work. “It is the desire of both President Edgar Lungu and his brother President Felix Tshisekedi to see that the Kasomeno-Mwenda project starts. We want to see early works beginning in March,” Mr Mwale said.

And DRC Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, Willy Ngoopos, cautioned GED Africa and Duna Aszfalt who are the promoters of the project against further delay.

Mr Ngoopos explained that Zambia and DRC would want the project to be actualised after years of pursing it.

“The honeymoon is over and now is the time to work,” Mr Ngoopos sad.