(TIMES) Luapula headed for economic boom
Luapula headed for economic boomBy GIDEON THOLE
in Mansa
PRESIDENT Mwanawasa has said that the Government intends to transform Chembe area in Luapula Province into an economic zone after completion of the bridge that will link the province with the Copperbelt through the Pedicle Road in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Dr Mwanawasa said the already existing tourism, agriculture and fishing industries, which had the potential of expansion would drive the economic zone.
He said apart from these industries, there was also potential of mining in the province and revealed that explorations for minerals had already began in Chiengi and Mansa.
The President who yesterday inspected the construction work at the 320-metre long bridge said he felt honoured to be associated with its construction across the Luapula river at Chembe. He said once completed, the bridge would play a vital role in poverty eradication and employment creation.
“We want to see to it that the area is assisted in attracting investors in the fishing, tourism and other private sector initiatives,” he said.
He was humbled by Mansa Municipal Council and chiefs’ decision to name the bridge after him.
“I feel honoured to be associated with the bridge and extremely indebted to be in Chembe to see how work is proceeding. This one is one of the biggest programmes undertaken by my administration and I feel delighted to see that the bridge is near completion,” he said.
Dr Mwanawasa who was impressed with the pace at which the construction work was being carried out expressed hope that the bridge would be completed during the next six weeks.
He congratulated the project consultants, Kiran and Musonda Consulting Engineers and China-Henan International for the work well done.
The President said now that the construction of the bridge was almost completed, the challenge that remained was to convince DRC authorities to assist in funding the tarring of the Pedicle Road.
“The biggest challenge to Government is to negotiate with the sister republic of the DRC to be part of the Pedicle Road construction project,” he said.
Dr Mwanawasa urged the chiefs and the people of Chembe to take good care of the bridge which has a 100-year life span.
And briefing the President on the work done, Kiran and Musonda Engineering Consultants project director, Henry Musonda said the construction of the bridge which was supposed to be completed by February was delayed by six moths. He explained that the construction costs of K46.3 billion would not be affected by the changes in the project completion date.
“ Construction work on the bridge will be completed by mid June but the access roads and other facilities will be completed by the end of July,” he said.
Mr Musonda said the project had been delayed for six months because of the formation of quick sand, February floods and the logistical problems in accessing the funds.
China-Henan International, the contractor assured the President that despite being blacklisted by the ministry of Works and Supply, the project would continue and would not compromise the workmanship quality. Ten of the 13 segment of the bridge had been completed.
Speaking for Mansa based traditional rulers and their subjects, Chief Kasoma-Lwela of the Ushi people said the decision to name the newly constructed bridge at Chembe after President Levy Mwanawasa, which was endorsed by a full Mansa Municipal Council meeting was backed by chiefs.
Chief Kasoma-Lwela , who was flanked by Senior Chief Milambo thanked Dr Mwanawasa for showing personal commitment in the construction of the bridge. Works and Supply Minister, Kapembwa Simbao, Local Government and Housing Minister Sylvia Masebo, and her deputy Ben Tetamashimba accompanied the President.
Others were Community Development Deputy Minister, John Chinyanta, Luapaula Province Minister, Chrispin Musosha, Copperbelt Minister and Chembe area. Member of Parliament,(MP), Mwansa Mbulakulima and scores of Government and MMD officials.
Labels: ECONOMY, LUAPULA PROVINCE
posted by MrK @ 9:00 PM
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