Road Development Agency

GOVERNMENT COMMENCES CONSTRUCTION OF FEEDER ROADS IN LUANGWA AND RUFUNSA DISTRICTS UNDER THE IMPROVED RURAL CONNECTIVITY PROJECT

Government through the Road Development Agency (RDA) has commenced the construction of 119.2 kilometres of feeder roads in Luangwa and Rufunsa Districts under the Improved Rural Connectivity Project (IRCP), with support from the World Bank.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the T4–Shikabeta Road Project in Rufunsa District on Friday morning, Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Permanent Secretary, Prof. Albert Malama said the project marked another milestone in Government’s commitment to improving connectivity, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens.

“It gives me great pleasure to be here today in Rufunsa District to officiate at the groundbreaking ceremony for the road project from T4 to Shikabeta in Lusaka Province.

“The Improved Rural Connectivity Project (IRCP), valued at approximately USD 200 million, is a significant Government undertaking supported by the World Bank and implemented across all ten provinces of Zambia,” Prof. Malama said.

He noted that since its commencement in 2017, the project has played a critical role in addressing the challenges of poor rural accessibility and limited connectivity in many parts of the country.

“The project is scheduled to conclude in December 2026. Today, we gather here in Rufunsa to witness the commencement of construction works on 119.2 kilometres of feeder roads in Luangwa and Rufunsa districts at a total cost of ZMW 230,331,035.73. The construction phase is expected to be completed by December 2026,” he said.

Prof. Malama explained that the initiative is divided into two major components. The first component, valued at USD 180 million, focuses on the upgrading, rehabilitation, and maintenance of priority feeder roads across the country.

The second component, valued at USD 20 million, supports institutional strengthening within the roads sector to ensure sustainable management and maintenance of road infrastructure.

The roads earmarked for construction in Lusaka Province include the 40.4-kilometre T4–Shikabeta Road in Rufunsa District, the 30.5-kilometre R220–Kavalamanja Road in Luangwa District, and the 14.2-kilometre D145–Mpuka Road, also in Luangwa District.

He further revealed that plans were underway to construct a bridge across the Lunsemfwa River through a separate financing arrangement. Once completed, the bridge will connect Rufunsa District to Mkushi District and the Great North Road via the Shikabeta Road.

The Permanent Secretary said the project’s objectives were both timely and strategic, as it seeks to improve rural road accessibility for communities in selected areas while strengthening institutional capacity for sustainable rural road management.

He added that the project was also designed to enable Zambia to respond promptly and effectively to any eligible crisis or emergency that may arise.

“Allow me to commend the Road Development Agency (RDA), cooperating partners, consultants, contractors, and all stakeholders for the efforts made towards the implementation of this important project,” Prof. Malama said.

He urged the contractor, Sinohydro Corporation Limited, and all stakeholders involved to work diligently and professionally to ensure the timely completion of the works.

Meanwhile, Road Development Agency Board Chairperson Eng. Eugene Haazele said the road projects symbolized the Agency’s unwavering commitment to community empowerment, emphasizing that well-connected rural areas are key to improving people’s livelihoods.

“As the road network expands, access to markets, healthcare, education, and opportunities for socio-economic advancement will equally improve for residents in these areas. It is our collective belief that through improved connectivity, we will unlock the immense potential that exists within our communities,” Eng. Haazele said.

“Our mission transcends the mere construction of roads. Together with our cooperating partners, we are committed to being responsible corporate citizens, recognizing that our responsibilities extend beyond infrastructure development.”

He said the project would also incorporate essential community infrastructure such as boreholes for clean water, flushable toilets for improved sanitation, markets to support local trade, and bus shelters to enhance public transport services.

“This holistic approach to infrastructure development ensures that economic growth and community well-being go hand in hand,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sinohydro Contracts Manager Yuanchun Wang described the project as a major milestone in the district’s infrastructure development.

“Thank you for trusting us with this project. We will work diligently and professionally to ensure the timely completion of the works,” Mr. Wang said.

And Chief Shikabeta of the Soli people in Rufunsa District thanked the Government for undertaking a road project expected to spur economic growth and development in Rufunsa and Luangwa districts.

Happy Africa Freedom Day

RDA, MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT DISCUSS COMPACT ll FOR ZAMBIA

The Road Development Agency (RDA) and Millennium Challenge Account Zambia II (MCA-Zambia II) on Friday held discussions on the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Compact II for Zambia.

Speaking during the meeting, RDA Director and Chief Executive Officer Eng. Nelson Chuma said the Agency recognised that one of the key components of the Compact II funding framework was the Roads and Access Project, whose objective is to promote inclusive economic growth in agriculture and agro-processing by reducing transportation costs.

“On behalf of the RDA, it is an honour to welcome you today. We appreciate MCA’s continued partnership in transforming Zambia’s transport corridors and supporting our mission to improve connectivity for economic growth,” said Eng. Chuma.

He explained that through MCA-Zambia II, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) would support the rehabilitation of sections of the T5 Road, improve access activities aimed at addressing both physical and non-physical barriers affecting communities along the T5 corridor, and strengthen Zambia’s road management systems.

Meanwhile, Resident Country Director and Head of Agency at the US Embassy in Zambia, Steven Marma, said MCA and the Agency were now ready to move forward with the programme following the completion of key processes.

“We are here to let you know that all the processes we were looking at have been completed. We are back in business and moving forward.

There were a lot of uncertainties not too long ago, but we are now fully proceeding,” said Mr. Marma.

In her presentation, MCA-Zambia II Chief Executive Officer Pamela Bwalya said the Roads and Access Project seeks to reduce transportation costs in priority agricultural corridors.

Ms. Bwalya noted that the project’s strategic focus includes improving road infrastructure, enhancing access to agricultural markets, and strengthening road management and maintenance systems.

And MCA-Zambia II Director for the Roads and Access Project, Eng. William Mulusa, said the initiative comprises three key components: the Improving Roads Activity, the Improving Access Activity, and the Strengthening Zambian Road Management Activity.

“Under the Improving Roads Activity, we are looking at enhancing road conditions, quality, accessibility, and climate resilience on selected sections of the T5 Road.

Initially, the project targeted the entire 270-kilometre Solwezi–Mwinilunga stretch, but this has since been revised to approximately 120 kilometres from Solwezi to Kalumbila Mine Junction, including access feeder roads,” Eng. Mulusa said.

He added that the Improving Access Activity would focus on creating and improving links to markets and agricultural activities for rural communities within the T5 corridor. Planned works may include feeder roads, pedestrian and trail bridges, as well as other access improvement projects.

Eng. Mulusa further said the Strengthening Zambian Road Management Activity would support improved road asset management and maintenance investments through technical assistance, provision of equipment and software, and capacity-building initiatives.

He disclosed that the total budget for the Roads and Access Project stands at US$332.75 million, to be financed through grants from the Millennium Challenge Corporation and contributions from the Government of Zambia.

RDA AND ZHONGMEI ENGINEERING GROUP LIMITED SIGN OUTPUT AND PERFORMANCE-BASED ROAD CONTRACT (OPRC) FOR PACKAGE 13A ON THE COPPERBELT PROVINCE

Road Development Agency (RDA) Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Nelson Chuma, has described the signing of the contract with Zhongmei Engineering Group Limited for the Output and Performance-Based Road Contract (OPRC) for Package 13A on the Copperbelt Province as an important milestone aimed at addressing the long-standing poor condition of roads in Chingola and Lufwanyama Districts.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held today on 13th May 2026 at the RDA Conference Room, Eng. Chuma said the project marked a significant step towards improving road infrastructure and enhancing socio-economic development on the Copperbelt.

Eng. Chuma stated that the rehabilitation of the 112.2 kilometres of gravel roads under the project — comprising 33.6 kilometres in Chingola District and 78.6 kilometres in Lufwanyama District — would significantly improve accessibility for farming communities.

He said the upgraded roads would facilitate the transportation of farming inputs and movement of produce to markets while strengthening connectivity to the wider trunk, main and district road network.

He disclosed that the project would be implemented at a total contract sum of ZMW243,599,139.54 and completed within seven months.

Eng. Chuma further stated that the project would be financed under the USD200 million World Bank-funded Improved Rural Connectivity Project (IRCP), adding that the Government was accelerating implementation of key activities under the programme, with completion targeted for the end of 2026.

He noted that the government remained committed to achieving sustainable economic growth through the construction and rehabilitation of road infrastructure across the country, emphasizing that roads play a critical role in poverty reduction and economic transformation.

Eng. Chuma highlighted the economic importance of Chingola District, describing it as a major mining hub dominated by the Nchanga Copper Mine, one of the largest open-pit mines in the world. He explained that the district was strategically connected through trunk roads linking Zambia to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Solwezi, Angola and other major towns such as Kitwe, Ndola and Kapiri Mposhi. He added that Chingola also had strong agricultural potential, with farmers producing maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, groundnuts and vegetables, while opportunities also existed in livestock and fish farming.

He further noted that although manufacturing and tourism sectors in Chingola were still underdeveloped, the district possessed significant potential, citing tourist attractions such as Kapisha Hot Springs, the Chimpfunshi Chimpanzee Orphanage and the Akabashi Campsite.

Speaking on Lufwanyama District, Eng. Chuma described it as one of the largest yet least developed districts on the Copperbelt Province, accounting for a third of the province’s land area despite having a small population. He said the district had strong agricultural prospects, with farmers growing maize, sorghum, millet, sweet potatoes and vegetables that supply markets in Kitwe, Kalulushi and Ndola.

He also revealed that the district was home to the Kagem Emerald Mine, which contributes approximately 20 percent of the world’s emerald production, while mineral exploration activities for copper were ongoing in the western part of the district. Additionally, he pointed to the Lunga Luswishi Game Reserve as a tourism asset with untapped potential.

And Mr. Wu Quanbing, the Representative of Zhongmei Engineering Group Limited, assured that the works will be completed on time.

He further assured that his firm will deliver quality work.

GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS ANDERSON KAMBELA MAZOKA TOLL PLAZA

Government has today commissioned the Anderson Kambela Mazoka Toll Plaza situated along the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway between Landless Corner and the Kabwe Bypass Road.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Toll Plaza on Wednesday afternoon, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi said the event was significant because it honoured legacy, excellence, and national contribution through the naming of the Toll Plaza after Anderson Kambela Mazoka.

Mr. Mazoka was a distinguished Zambian whose life was marked by academic excellence, professional achievement, and dedicated public service.

Born in 1943, he received his secondary education at Mungwi Technical Secondary School in the then Kasama District in Northern Province before proceeding to the United States of America, where he graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

While in the United States, he distinguished himself as an innovator and was credited with the design of one of the earliest wind tunnels, an achievement that earned international recognition and demonstrated his exceptional technical capability.

Upon his return to Zambia in the 1970s, Mr. Mazoka joined Zambia Railways Limited as an assistant Mechanical Engineer. Through hard work, discipline, and outstanding performance, he rose through the ranks and was eventually appointed as the first Zambian General Manager of the institution by the late President Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda—a testament to the confidence placed in his leadership and technical expertise.

He later joined Anglo American, where he served with distinction for eighteen years, ultimately rising to the position of Managing Director for the Central African Division.

In his later years, Mr. Mazoka transitioned into public life, initially through the Movement for Multi-party Democracy and subsequently as a co-founder and first President of the United Party for National Development (UPND).

In the same spirit of recognising outstanding Zambians, Government has also renamed the Manyumbi Toll Plaza in honour of Godfrey Ucar Chitalu, one of Zambia’s greatest football icons. His exceptional contribution to sport brought pride, unity, and international recognition to our nation. His legacy continues to inspire generations.

Meanwhile, wife to the late Mr. Mazoka, Mutinta said the honour bestowed upon her husband by the Government was not only a tribute to his life, but also a powerful statement about reconciliation, national unity, and the importance of remembering those who contributed to the democratic growth of the nation.

“It is with profound humility, gratitude, and emotion that I stand before you today on this historic occasion as we commission the Anderson Kambela Mazoka Toll Plaza in honour of my late husband, Anderson Kambela Mazoka – a patriot, statesman, businessman, and founding father of the United Party for National development,” Mrs. Mazoka said.

“Anderson Mazoka believed deeply in the unity and potential of this country. He believed that Zambia belonged to all its citizens regardless of tribe, region, religion, or political affiliation. At a time when division could easily have prevailed, he consistently preached peace, dialogue, and coexistence. His dream was of a Zambia where every citizen would have dignity, opportunity, and hope.”

Mrs. Mazoka said her family was deeply touched by the gesture.

“We thank His Excellency the President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and the Government for recognizing the legacy of Anderson Mazoka in such a meaningful and lasting way. History becomes stronger when a nation learns to honour all those who contributed to its journey, regardless of political seasons or differences,” said Mrs. Mazoka.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Concessionaire, MOIC-LN Consortium Limited, Maggie Feng said the commissioning of the Anderson Kambela Mazoka Toll Plaza marks an important milestone, as it will become the first section of the Lusaka-Ndola Road to be delivered as a modern dual carriageway – the beginning of a new chapter for travel, trade, and economic growth in Zambia.