‘Chingola-Solwezi road to be completed July’
ONLY a 10-kilometre stretch is remaining before the long-awaited 162 kilometre Chingola-Solwezi road is completed, North-Western Province permanent secretary
Ephraim Mateyo has disclosed. Briefing Works and Supply Minister Felix Mutati during a meeting at the provincial administration office in Solwezi yesterday, Mr. Mateyo said once the remaining portion of the road being worked on by Buildcon is completed, the project will then be handed over to Government for commissioning.
He expressed satisfaction with the works done so far adding that the project will be concluded on schedule by July 31.
"Sir, we have a stretch of 162 kilometres of the road from Solwezi to Chingola. We have three contractors and I‘am glad to report that the road is almost completed as there is just a 10-kilometre stretch remaining which Buildcon is working on and we have been promised and assured that by 31 July, Government must be receiving the road.
"The job has been done according to expectations and we are glad that it now only takes an hour and a half to travel between the two towns and this is a plus on our part as it qualifies President Edgar Lungu's statement that he will roll-out development to all parts of the country," Mr. Mateyo said.
And Mr. Mateyo said negotiations with the potential contractor for the SolweziKipushi road had reached an advanced stage. "Negotiations over the road between SolweziKipushi are underway to ensure that the contract is signed. This is an important road as it will boost transportation of cargo and trade between the two ends, as you may be aware that there is an influx of vehicles usually marooned at Kasumbalesa as this will provide another alternative route now that we have a good road between Solwezi and Chingola," he said. And Mr. Mutati said the completion of the ChingolaSolwezi road will accelerate cash flows by helping government effectively collect mineral royalties on time.
He said the province was an important region as it was the third largest contributor of the country's taxes, only beaten by the Copperbelt and Lusaka, with the potential to outsmart the two giants.