Maravi

DRC not aware of naming Chembe bridge after Levy

DRC not aware of naming Chembe bridge after Levy
By Chibaula Silwamba in Chembe and Speedwell Mupuchi
Wednesday May 28, 2008 [04:00]

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government has said it is not aware about the naming of Chembe Bridge after President Levy Mwanawasa. And President Mwanawasa said he was honoured that the bridge was named after him. Meanwhile, about 400 Mansa residents have petitioned local government minister Sylvia Masebo to nullify the Mansa Council resolution to name the bridge at Chembe after President Mwanawasa.

In an interview last Thursday, DRC Ambassador to Zambia Johnson Baelongandi wa Binana, who was in President Mwanawasa's entourage in Mansa, said all he knew was that the bridge was called Chembe. The DRC and Zambia are supposed to contribute 50 per cent each towards the cost of the construction of the bridge, which is costing about K46 billion.

"I am not aware. In the invitation which I received, it was written ‘visit to Chembe Bridge’," Ambassador wa Binana said. He said the bridge was a project for the two countries and the issue of naming was not at his level.

"I believe it's a common work. If there is a problem, it can be solved at presidential level," he said.

Asked if the DRC would contribute the 50 per cent towards the bridge construction, Ambassador Wa Binana said his government would have no problems to contribute the money.

"I believe there is no problem for the DRC to contribute the 50 per cent for the construction of the bridge. When this project started, it was the initiative of the two presidents (DRC's Joseph Kabila and President Levy Mwanawasa), so everything will be resolved at the level of the two Presidents," he said.

He said he was happy that the bridge was about to be completed.
"First of all, when the project started it looked to be impossible. The difficulties that we encountered during this project, we conquered all of them, one after the other. That is why it is such a joy to see once again, the people we started with this project, the Chinese engineers and all those who participated to the building of this bridge. For me, it is a great day," Ambassador wa Binana said.

He said the bridge concretises the good relationship between the two countries and that it would unite the two peoples forever.

On the tarring of the Pedicle Road which connects Luapula and Copperbelt provinces through DRC, Ambassador wa Binana said the issue would be addressed during the next sitting of the joint permanent commission.

"In a month's time or few days time, we will have a joint permanent commission between Zambia and DRC. All these problems will be talked about, tackled and resolved and there will be a solution to that," said Ambassador wa Binana.

And two chiefs from Chembe area, Kasoma Lwela and senior chief Milambo, who met President Mwanawasa soon after he inspected the bridge, vowed that their position over naming the bridge after President Mwanawasa would not change.
"We have decided to name the bridge ‘Mwanawasa’. There should be no negotiations to the naming of the bridge," said chief Kasoma Lwela.
In response, President Mwanawasa said he was honoured that the bridge had been named after him.

Several people in Luapula Province, including former minister Kennedy Sakeni, have opposed the naming of the bridge after President Mwanawasa.
During the discussion with chiefs, President Mwanawasa said the bridge had been his long standing dream since he was a small boy.

"I want to say that government is particularly happy with the support which you have given us as we provide leadership to our people here. The show of friendship which you have provided to this government is in a large measure as a result of what we are doing here; we provided electricity, we are happy that we brought electricity. But we said what other things should I give to chief Milambo in order that I can show to him that I appreciate his support and I came with the idea of putting up a bridge," President Mwanawasa said. "We have a lot of plans for Chembe in particular. When the bridge is completed, we intend to declare it an economic zone with all the privileges and incentives which go with it so that investors can come here and set up business in tourism, fishing and many other things. There will be a lot of construction here. I expect to see a lot of development. I am thinking aloud now but I can see a colourful future for this settlement (Chembe)."

And Luapula Province minister Crispin Musosha said the petition to Masebo was copied to him. The petitioners indicated that they did not agree with Mansa Council's resolution of April 3, 2008 to name the bridge as Levy Patrick Mwanawasa. They stated that Chembe was a historical name which should not be changed anyhow because it reminded them about how people walked from Northern Province to the Copperbelt to get letters and back. They also stated that Chembe came about when they crossed the Luapula River. The petitioners also stated that they were not consulted and that the proposed name was not advertised as per requirement.

"The rush in which the resolution was passed aroused suspicion as council standing orders number 15 requirement was not followed. We feel this kind of motion cannot be discussed straight away. It's supposed to be referred to the committee under which it falls to allow for consultations," read the petition which is also copied to President Mwanawasa. "We therefore, appeal to you Honourable Minister of Local Government and Housing to preside over this issue and nullify the resolution in the interest of the residents."

But Musosha said the people behind the petition were neither here nor there. He said the councils resolution was not negotiable.

Labels: DRC, INFRASTRUCTURE, MWANAWASA

posted by MrK @ 3:38 AM