By Kabanda Chulu
Thu 15 Aug. 2013, 14:00 CAT
THE government should be supported for undertaking huge infrastructural projects such as roads because they will result in increased economic activities, says World Bank Africa Group I executive director Denny Kalyalya.
During a tour of World Bank-funded projects such as the construction of the Chiawa Bridge across the Kafue River and rehabilitation of the 70-kilometre road between Lusaka and Chirundu, Dr Kalyalya said investments in roads, bridges and related infrastructure would result in big transformation in people's lives.
"We are happy to partner with the government because these projects which they have embarked on will open up the country to regional markets since they will provide important links to the outside world," said Dr Kalyalya.
"These are milestone projects that will result in transformation of people's livelihoods and they will also result in increased economic activities because tourism will be enhanced and farmers will have access to ready markets but I also urge local people to take ownership and not vandalise these structures being put in place."
Chilanga district commissioner Edith Muwana said road construction in the area has resulted in job creation.
And Chirundu district commissioner Maxwell Syamalimba said construction of the bridge across the Kafue River had been a dream for the people of Chiawa.
"Using the pontoon to get either side of the river is a method that is laden with challenges. It is time consuming, costly, unsafe and can only be done between 06 hours and 18 hours, and if someone falls sick in the night it becomes a problem because the only hospital is in Chirundu," said Syamalimba.
"This bridge will put an end to all these problems and there is no doubt that agriculture and other economic activities will be enhanced when these projects are commissioned."
And Road Development Agency manager for road rehabilitation and maintenance projects Nicholas Mulenga expressed satisfaction with the construction works being done by the contractors.
"With the current pace of works, we expect project commissioning to be on schedule and we are happy with the scope of works being undertaken," said Mulenga.
The Chiawa bridge is being built by China Henan International Corporation while Arab Consulting Engineers were contracted to carry out detailed re-design services and site supervision for construction of a composite steel bridge.
Labels: DENNY KALYALYA, MAXWELL SYAMALIMBA, ROADS, World Bank
posted by MrK @ 2:54 PM
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