Government Launches K5 Billion Road Rehabilitation Projects in Southern and Eastern Provinces

 

The Government has commenced major road rehabilitation projects in Southern and Eastern provinces following the award of contracts worth approximately K5 billion by the Road Development Agency (RDA), a move expected to improve transport infrastructure, facilitate trade, and enhance connectivity across the two regions.

The projects include the rehabilitation and upgrading of the 212-kilometre Livingstone–Sesheke Road in Southern Province and the completion of the remaining 48-kilometre stretch of the Chipata–Lundazi Road in Eastern Province.

RDA Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager Anthony Mulowa said the Livingstone–Sesheke Road contract had been awarded to Sino-Hydro Corporation Limited, in partnership with Nchifar Enterprises Limited, as part of the broader infrastructure programme valued at approximately K4.88 billion.

According to Mr. Mulowa, the Livingstone–Sesheke project goes beyond resurfacing the main highway. It also includes the rehabilitation and upgrading of 10 kilometres of township roads in Livingstone and five kilometres of township roads in Sesheke, aimed at improving urban mobility and road safety.

To enhance implementation efficiency, the project has been divided into two construction lots.

Lot One, valued at K1.54 billion, covers the section between the T1 Junction and the Kazungula turn-off, as well as the stretch from near the Simungoma turn-off to Sesheke Boma.

Lot Two, valued at K1.74 billion, has also been awarded to Sino-Hydro Corporation Limited and covers the remaining sections of the corridor.

Both contracts are scheduled for completion within 30 months from the commencement date.

Mr. Mulowa said the RDA has already issued commencement orders and site possession certificates, allowing contractors to begin detailed engineering designs and mobilise equipment ahead of full-scale construction.

He added that emergency maintenance works are already underway on severely damaged sections of the Livingstone–Sesheke Road where heavy-duty trucks frequently become stuck, providing temporary relief to motorists while major rehabilitation works progress.

Meanwhile, in Eastern Province, the China Geo-Engineering Corporation has been awarded a K1.60 billion contract to complete the remaining 48 kilometres of the Chipata–Lundazi Road.

The project will cover sections beginning from Kilometre 90 near Chipata, extending towards Lundazi and the Chasefu Junction, while also incorporating improvements to township roads within Lundazi.

The rehabilitation works are expected to upgrade the road to modern engineering standards, improve traffic flow, and enhance connectivity for communities and businesses in the region.

Like the Southern Province project, construction of the Chipata–Lundazi Road is expected to be completed within 30 months.

Government says the two flagship infrastructure projects reaffirm its commitment to modernising the country's road network as a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration, and improved access to markets.

Officials noted that both the Livingstone–Sesheke Corridor and the Chipata–Lundazi Route are strategic transport corridors that facilitate the movement of goods and services within Zambia and connect the country to neighbouring regional markets.

With contractors already mobilising equipment and undertaking preliminary works, Government has expressed confidence that the projects will be delivered within the planned timeframe, provided there are no unforeseen delays.