RDA awards K4.9bn contracts for key road upgrades

 By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

THE Road Development Agency (RDA) has signed contracts worth nearly K4.9 billion for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Livingstone–Sesheke and Chipata–Lundazi roads, paving the way for major improvements to two of the country’s strategic transport corridors.

The projects are expected to strengthen connectivity, improve road safety and facilitate trade and tourism across Southern, Western and Eastern provinces.

RDA Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager Anthony Mulowa said the 212-kilometre Livingstone–Sesheke Road contract has been awarded to Sino-Hydro Corporation Limited in a joint venture with Nchifar Enterprises Limited.

To accelerate implementation, Mr Mulowa said, the works have been divided into two lots.

“The first lot, valued at K1.54 billion, covers sections between Livingstone, Kazungula and Sesheke. It also includes the upgrading of 10 kilometres of township roads in Livingstone and five kilometres in Sesheke.

“The second lot, worth K1.74 billion, covers the remaining sections of the highway and includes the upgrading of five kilometres of township roads each in Kazungula and Mwandi to bituminous standard,” he said.

Both contracts will be implemented over 30 months, with six months allocated for design and 24 months for construction.

Mr Mulowa said the RDA has already issued Site Possession Certificates and Commencement Orders, allowing the contractor to begin mobilisation and preliminary design works.

As construction preparations continue, the agency has also launched emergency remedial works on severely damaged sections of the road where heavy trucks have frequently become stranded.

The temporary interventions, being undertaken through the Mwandi Town Council, are expected to ease traffic flow ahead of full-scale rehabilitation.