RDA warns Chinese resisting to sub-contract road works
By Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Tue 27 Aug. 2013, 14:00 CAT
CHINESE contractors are resisting to sub-contract the mandatory 20 per cent of their road contracts to local contractors, reveals Road Development Agency chief executive officer Charles Mushota.
Mushota has threatened to terminate road contracts of foreign contractors that refuse to sub-contract 20 per cent of their road contracts to local contractors.
The PF regime has made it mandatory that all government contracts being implemented in the road sector, with a specific emphasis on the current 8,000 Link Zambia Project, must be 20 per cent locally sub-contracted to build capacity of indigenous local engineers and economically empower people .
Mushota revealed that while most foreign contractors have had no problems implementing the requirements, some Chinese contractors were resisting working with Zambians.
He cited AVIC International Project Engineering Company, the company contracted to rehabilitate about 400 kilometres of Lusaaka roads in a project called L400 and Sinohydro, as some of the Chinese firms he chided.
The L400 which is a four-year project is expected to see massive transformation of existing city roads and create thousands of jobs for unemployed youth.
"We did receive some reports in the last two days that some contractors were resisting to this," Mushota said last week during a public discussion in Lusaka.
"But to those which were brought to my attention and I would not be shy to mention the two companies - one of the company is the one contracted to do the L400 and I personally called the man in charge. I didn't have a nice time with him, I should admit."
He warned that he would terminate road contracts where foreign contractors had refused to embed the right threshold of local components in their works.
"Even if L400 was a loan from the Eximbank of China, I think I was ready to advise the government that if this is the way to go, they would rather do away with L400. And I should report that I received a call from China, the principals of L400, were trying to be very apologetic and I told them that God gave you two ears so that you can listen more and talk less but you its opposite and I think those are on L400, if you approach them, I think the attitude is different," said Mushota.
"The other company where I got a report was Sino hydro. I phoned Sinohydro and I gave them my piece. Also, I did instruct my director construction and rehabilitation that we should meet all the contractors because the resistance is not from all contractors but mostly it's from the Chinese contractors. They are a couple of success stories but at the same time, there is some resistance from the contractors but I can assure you that we are going to deal with them because the government has told us to implement the policy..."
Labels: CHARLES MUSHOTA, CHINESE, CONTRACTORS, ROADS
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Kalyalya lauds govt over infrastructure projects
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
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FRA maize in Chikankata marooned due to poor roads
By Gift Chanda in Chikankata
Mon 12 Aug. 2013, 14:00 CAT
TRANSPORTERS in Chikankata are shunning to ferry maize from satellite depots to the main hoarding depots due to the poor road network, FRA officials have revealed.
Speaking to journalists after touring the Chikombola satellite depot, located about 104 kilometres from the Mazabuka-Chikankata turn-off on Saturday, Stephen Liato, FRA Southern B provincial marketing co-ordinator, bemoaned the poor state of the roads.
He said there was a lot of maize in the area but the road network was hampering its transportation to the main hoarding depot. According to Liato, 4,300 *50kg bags of maize were marooned at Chikombola satellite depot as of Saturday.
"We are trying to reduce on wastage but the roads are hampering our operations here," he said. "The road is extremely bad, so all the possible transporters are shunning this place. There is just one female transporter who has agreed to assist us but she only has four trucks; and out of the four, only two are on the road, so it is a big challenge."
FRA executive director Chola Kafwabulula said it was a pity that such a high maize producing-area could have such poor state of roads.
In addition to the poor road network, the topography of Chikankata - mostly hilly - weighs hard on transportation in the area.
A journey which would otherwise take 15 minutes usually takes over an hour and half.
"Once it starts raining, this area will be cut-off, so we will try as much as possible in the remaining weeks to make sure that all of this maize is moved to a safer storage facility," Kafwabulula said.
He said the safety of the maize depended on the cooperation of transporters to move the maize to safer storage facilities.
"Once transporters being to shun certain routes then we have a problem," he said.
Meanwhile, Kafwabulula was pleased that maize at most satellite depots was being moved to main hoarding depots once they reached the 600*50kg bags as per his instruction.
He said the move would save a lot maize from theft and wastage.
Kafwabulula instructed depot supervisors to ensure that the maize is properly cleaned as some of the stock was destined for export markets in future.
Labels: FRA, MAIZE, ROADS, STEPHEN LIATO
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Chilipamushi lauds govt road development project
By Kabanda Chulu
Fri 12 July 2013, 14:00 CAT
GOVERNMENT's approach to develop infrastructure projects such as roads will result in massive job creation, says Davidson Chilipamushi.
Commenting on the statement by Standard Chartered Bank group executive director-wholesale Mike Rees that many African countries were recording strong economic performance but experiencing 'jobless growth', Chilipamushi called for increased allocation of resources to sectors that could accelerate economic growth to result into tangible benefits.
"Apart from Asia, Africa is the fastest region that is recording strong economic growth but this is not being translated into improved standards of living because we allocate few resources to sectors that can create jobs and also many people do not have access to basic requirements like health, education, among other things," Chilipamushi said.
"However, I am impressed the PF government's approach to develop infrastructure especially roads will open up the country, improve livelihoods and create several jobs."
He said raw materials would always attract lower prices compared to finished products.
"This is why we need to add value to our produce because international trade can be an avenue to reducing poverty. We also need to address this negative trend where agricultural produce, for instance, tobacco, cotton, coffee and other crops are being exported not by farmers but companies that engage in contract farming thereby resulting in increased poverty since real income does not reach these farmers. So in a way international trade doesn't benefit our people," said Chilipamushi, who is former School of Business lecturer at the Copperbelt University.
Labels: ROADS
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It's govt's obligation to improve infrastructure - Mubukwanu
By David Chongo in Mongu
Thu 06 June 2013, 14:01 CAT
GOVERNMENT says it has a solemn obligation to improve the state of infrastructure in the country after years of deterioration and neglect.
Speaking when he flagged off the KR173 million construction and rehabilitation of 10 kilometres of Mongu roads to bituminous standards on Tuesday, Mongu Central member of parliament Nathaniel Mubukwanu said roads were key to the development of the country.
He said the government would not accept shoddy works considering the huge cost of infrastructure development.
"We need to break away from the practice and culture of shoddy works. The roads should serve the people of Mongu for many years to come. Government cannot afford to repeat maintenance works that are a result of poor workmanship as it is costly. So you better do and get it right so that we get the value for the money you are being paid," said Mubukwanu, who is also North Western provincial minister.
Barotse Royal Establishment representative Induna Inete, who was flanked by Induna Imuwana, urged the government to closely supervise the project and called on CGC not to sideline local youths when recruiting for the project.
China Geo Corporation (CGC) deputy project manager Li Tao promised to deliver a quality road in a year and that it would satisfy users.
According to Li, the road construction firm was expected to create 200 jobs.
And Avic Chief Engineer, Chen Feng, told Mubukwanu earlier that the company , which is constructing bridges on the 67-kilometre stretch to Kalabo across the plain from Mongu, would also employ up to 400 people between July and August.
Labels: CHEN FENG, INFRASTRUCTURE, ROADS
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Chama-Matumbo road works excite Chanda
By Jonathan Mukuka and Mirriam Kumwenda in Chama
Sun 19 May 2013, 14:01 CAT
CONSTRUCTION works for the KR371 million, 84 kilometre stretch of the Chama-Matumbo Road linking Northern, Muchinga and Eastern provinces are progressing well.
The works, under lot 2 of the Chama-Matumbo road project stretching from Muyombe junction passing through the boma to Luangwa Bridge, are part of the Link Zambia 8,000 Project under the Road Development Agency (RDA) being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
China Jiangxi Limited has been engaged to do lot 1 of the project at a cost of over KR399 million, from Matumbo junction to Luangwa River, covering a total distance of 115 km.
The scope of the works for the two projects include upgrading of the road from gravel to bituminous.
Muchinga Province minister Colonel Gerry Chanda inspected the works last week during his familiarisation tour of Chama district.
Col Chanda said he was happy that the works were taking shape adding that with the rain season now coming to an end, the government expected more progress on the road construction.
Col Chanda who was accompanied by Chama district commissioner Josephat Lombe, council secretary Yaphet Sinkamba and other district heads of departments said the government was committed to ensuring that the road project was completed on time.
He also appealed to the contractor to ensure that a good job was done, adding that both the government and members of the public expected a good product from the contractor.
Col Chanda further said he was happy that the contractor with a total of 120 workers was meeting the required minimum wage.
He was however, disappointed that it was taking long for RDA to engage a contractor to work on the bridge across Luangwa River.
"We need a bridge across Luangwa River. In fact, we should have started with a bridge so that as the road construction works progresses, motorists should have been using this route to go to Chinsali and from Chinsali to Chama, "said Col. Chanda.
But Michael Banda, resident engineer for East Consult, the consultant for the lot 2 of the Chama-Matumbo Road project, said plans to engage a contractor to erect a bridge across Luangwa River, had advanced.
Banda said the contractor would soon be moving on-site to commence the works and was set to finish the project in record time and hand it over to the government.
He said that a lot of works had been done from the time the rains stopped in the area adding that very little works were done during the rainy season.
Meanwhile, Chama district in Muchinga Province has procured two sets of earth-moving machines at a cost of KR10,000 using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Lombe disclosed this yesterday when Col Chanda paid a courtsey call on him at his office.
Lombe said a part payment of KR7,540 had been paid, adding that the balance of KR2,460 would be paid once the machinery arrives in the district.
He said the equipment had already been loaded on the ship from the United Kingdom and was expected to arrive in the district by the end of this month.
Lombe said the machinery which would be used for the construction of feeder roads in the district would be shared between the two constituencies- Chama North and Chama South.
He said another set of earth-moving machines would be procured using the 2013/2014 CDF funds for the two constituencies as soon as the last payment is paid.
Lombe said that most of the feeder roads in the district, particularly in Chama North Constituency, were in bad state and the procurement of the earth-moving machines would go a long way in making most roads passable and ease the transportation of farm inputs and farm produce.
Labels: GERRY CHANDA, LINK ZAMBIA 8000, ROADS
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Govt keen to fix roads - Malama
By Gift Chanda
Mon 06 May 2013, 14:00 CAT
GOVERNMENT says the sustainability of the motor industry in Zambia will require a good road network.
Speaking at the fifth Lusaka Happening Motor Show in Lusaka on Saturday, transport deputy minister Mwimba Malama said the government was keen to develop and rehabilitate roads in the country through projects such as the Link Zambia 8000 and the Pave Zambia 2000.
"For the motor industry to grow and continue operating and sustaining itself, there is need for a good road infrastructure in this country. Basically this industry depends on roads as one of the modes of transport besides railway, air and water," said Malama.
And Lusaka Happening managing director Bobby Singh said all major motor vehicle dealers operating in Zambia were participating in this year's motor show.
On display were brands such as Mercedes Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Freightliner Trucks and GWM.
Among the car classics is the 1995 Shamrock Cobra which is a replica of the original AC Cobra, the 1959 Mercedes 190 Ponton and the 1941 Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Singh urged people to attend the motor show and preview the unique blend of vehicle models ranging from "the good old faithful and those fresh from the factory".
The motor show, which commenced on Friday, ended yesterday.
Labels: LINK ZAMBIA 8000, MWIMBA MALAMA, ROADS
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Chief Mwangala appeals for police posts, roads
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Tue 16 Apr. 2013, 14:00 CAT
CHIEF Mwangala of the Chewa people says the government should establish more police posts in his area to boost the security situation because his chiefdom is in the border area.
In an interview on Saturday, chief Mwangala whose area borders Mozambique said the area needs good roads among many issues. He said his area faced a lot of challenges.
"We are asking government to repair our roads as fast as possible as well as providing security. You know when a police station is far away people normally suffer because people can attack us anytime. Being a border area, if you don't have security then it becomes a danger because things have changed and people have become more complicated. You can see that murder cases are increasing," chief Mwangala said.
He also said the tarring of the Chipata-Chadiza road should be extended to a place called Sinalo.
Chief Mwangala said the tarring works should also extend to Zingalume, Taferansoni and the Vubwi road.
He complained that the tarring works had been restricted to one area while many other people were on the other side.
Chief Mwangala also said the government should prepare enough food because many parts of the country including Chadiza would face some food shortages.
"Many areas did not receive enough rains and many parts of the country will not have enough food and water. We are asking government to access the food situation before distributing relief food," he said.
Chief Mwangala observed that other areas were still undeveloped because of the poor state of roads.
Labels: BORDERS, CHIEF MWANGALA, CHIEFS, DEVELOPMENT, MOZAMBIQUE, ROADS
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Sindaza implores RDA to expedite re-designing of Batoka-Maamba rd
By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone
Tue 02 Apr. 2013, 14:00 CAT
SINAZONGWE district commissioner Dodo Sindaza has appealed to the Road Development Agency to speed up the re-designing of the Batoka-Maamba road as it cannot withstand the heavy loads of equipment meant for the thermal power plant.
And the government has released 1,800 bags of maize for sale at KR60 each following an appeal for relief food by Sinazongwe member of parliament Richwell Siamunene.
In an interview, Sindaza said the RDA was alive to the fact that the Batoka-Maamba road was too old and could not withstand the heavy loads meant for the thermal power plant.
"The RDA should quicken the re-designing of the Batoka-Mamba road so that it can withstand the heavy equipment which will be ferried to Maamba Collieries for the thermal power plant. The RDA confirmed that they will redesign the road because it is old and cannot withstand the heavy loads which will be coming to Sinazongwe," Sindaza said.
He said Maamba Collieries had by Friday started the installation of steel pillars for the thermal power plant after the completion of the foundation.
On relief food, Sindaza said he would request for more maize from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) should the 1,800 bags released run out.
"Government has released 1,800x50-kilogramme bags of maize for sale after the area member of parliament Richwell Siamunene requested for relief food due to the area being hit by drought, the maize will be sold at KR60 per bag and the most affected areas are the southern parts of the district," he said.
Sindaza said roads in the district were in a poor state and the government had moved soldiers in the area to work on some bridges that were washed away.
"There are bridges along Siameja road that were washed away and soldiers are on site to work with the DMMU," said Sindaza.
Labels: DODO SINDAZA, RDA, ROADS
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RDA to pay BY's company K44bn over termination of contract
By Mwala Kalaluka
Tue 12 Feb. 2013, 15:00 CAT
FORMER defence minister Ben Mwila's company, Wade Adams Piling, will be paid about K44 billion by RDA over its terminated K80 billion Landless Corner-Mumbwa road project.
Mwila succeeded in the arbitration process against Road Development Agency (RDA), which terminated the road contract due to non-performance on Wade Adams' part.
But the RDA says the procurement process to engage a new contractor to complete the stalled Landless Corner-Mumbwa road project following the termination of the Wade Adams contract in November 2011, was advanced.
Sources close to the issue told The Post that Mwila's firm, which had contested the termination of the road contract in the courts of law, had emerged victorious from the arbitration process after the terminated contract's arbitration clause was brought into perspective.
"They just went into the arbitration clause; this is a clause that is in the contract in case of disputes and they found that the RDA handled that contract carelessly from the beginning," the source said.
"So BY Ben Mwila has been awarded about K44 billion and this is money that has been committed to the government."
The sources, however, said out of the K44 billion, Wade Adams Piling was expected to pay off about K11.5 billion that was advanced to it as 15 per cent advance payment prior to commencing the futile road works.
Wade Adams Piling was also advanced with a performance bond of K8 billion and at the time of the termination of the above road contract, the RDA had written to the bank and the insurance firm that guaranteed the performance bond in order to recover the whole amount.
Wade Adams Piling had only done 11 per cent works on the 65-kilometre stretch, which was supposed to be upgraded from gravel to tarred road, at the time the contract was terminated.
Mwila, when asked to comment on the matter yesterday, referred all queries to his lawyers Malambo and Company.
"I have got lawyers, specifically Mr Haimbe (Hamakuni). He is the one you should ask," said Mwila without divulging further details.
But when asked to confirm the new twist in the Landless Corner-Mumbwa road project termination issue, RDA chief executive officer Bernard Chiwala said on Friday that the only thing he knew was that a fresh contractor was being sought.
"Those details," said Chiwala when asked on the K44 billion to be paid to Mwila. "All I know is we are getting a new contractor. We have advanced. The tender is closing on 22nd February, 2013. I haven't been briefed. All I know is that the tender is closing on 22nd February."
Labels: BEN MWILA, RDA, ROADS
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Choma feeder roads to benefit from Link 8,000 - Mulenga
By Cynthia Phiri in Choma
Wed 06 Feb. 2013, 15:00 CAT
SOUTHERN Province permanent secretary Dr Chileshe Mulenga says government will ensure that all the urban and feeder roads in Choma are worked on under the Link Zambia 8,000 project.
In an interview, Dr Mulenga noted that most of the roads in the province were in a bad state. He said there was need to tar most of the roads in Choma because of its new provincial status which had already started attracting investors.
''Choma is looking up in terms of economic growth due its new status. Already it has started attracting investment and for us to attract more investors, we need to upgrade the road infrastructure to a state befitting its status. Most of our roads in the province are in a poor state but we should not worry because they will be covered in the Link Zambia 8,000 Project,' 'he said.
On the new Choma General Hospital being operational, Dr Mulenga acknowledged that there was a challenge in the health sector in Southern Province and attributed the delay in commissioning the new hospital to a number of unfinished structures that the PF government inherited from the previous regime.
''Because we inherited a lot of unfinished structures, it's very difficult to identify which people are responsible but then people should not worry. Choma is now the provincial capital and we will ensure that it has adequate infrastructure," he explained.
And Dr Mulenga said that all the provincial administration offices were now operating from Choma and had settled in very well despite the challenge of accommodation and office space.
"All departments have moved to Choma and we are using all the available space in government buildings," he said.
Labels: CHILESHE MULENGA, CHOMA, ROADS
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RDA plans tollgate system
By Henry Sinyangwe
Fri 25 Jan. 2013, 13:20 CAT
THE Road Development Agency (RDA) plans to start building a toll-gate system across Zambia's national road network by the end of the year, says chief executive officer Bernard Chiwala.
And Chiwala says the Agency had a challenge of using all the disbursed funds to the road sector due to lengthy procurement procedures.
He said the Agency expected to raise about 25 per cent (about KR1 billion) of its annual budget from the planned toll gates which would go towards roads maintenance.
"We have appointed the road tolling manager and in the next four
months, they will begin the works to prepare for the installation of
toll gates. We will install them on 17 selected sites which we have
already identified. We are expecting by June, we will have concluded
this plan, with building to begin in the second half of the year,"
he said.
The routes the RDA will initially focus on tolling are those linking Livingstone, the tourist capital and Nakonde bordering
Tanzania.
And Chiwala said governments of Zambia and Botswana earlier this month
appointed engineers in charge of building the planned $260 million
bridge that would link the two countries at Kazangula.
"We are planning to start the construction next year in April. It will
take four years to build the 923-meter (3,028-foot) bridge," he said.
Chiwala said all the required funding had been secured for the project.
And on the Chingola-Solwezi Road, Chiwala said the Agency would soon
move on site to maintain it.
"We will be moving onto site for the Chingola-Solwezi and also the
Kabwe-Kapiri. The tolling will address the aspect of trucks on the roads because we will be charging them more towards the maintenance of the roads," he said.
Addressing contractors yesterday, Chiwala said the Agency also faced
challenges of shoddy works, poor designs and uncaring supervision.
He said the country had enough material to undertake the 8000-kilometre Link Zambia Project.
"Don't entice our people in anyway so that the can give the contracts. We will give the evaluating process to independent evaluators to increase transparency. And some people have said the Link Zambia 8000 Project will not work, why should it not? asked Chiwala.
Labels: RDA, ROADS, TOLL ROADS
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Kenya’s Kibaki inaugurates road project in Malawi
By Lucky Mkandawire, Nyasa Times
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki on Thursday wrapped up his two-day tour of duty in Malawi with a landmark inauguration of a multinational road project in the capital Lilongwe.
Since his arrival on Wednesday, President Kibaki undertook a number of tasks including holding a bilateral talk with his Malawian counterpart Joyce Banda.
And on Thursday, just few hours before he flew out to Kenya, the visiting president laid a foundation stone for the Lilongwe West By-pass road project which is being funded by the African Development Bank (ADB).
The by-pass road is part of the multinational Nacara Road Corridor Project that will benefit Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
Part of the ground breaking activities of the Lilongwe West by-pass road. President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya and President Banda
The by-pass will connect the country’s main road (M1) on the Blantyre-Lilongwe road and the Lilongwe-Mchinji road.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone, the Kenyan leader observed that President Banda’s decision to invest in road infrastructure will go a long way in transforming the country’s economy.
He urged the government to continue placing infrastructure development because it is a strategic aspect in trade reforms for any country.
“Infrastructure upgrade and expansion are the center of business reforms. This is because infrastructure acts as a key enabler of socio-economic development in any country,” said Kibaki.
The Kenyan president observed that the construction of the road will not only divert transit traffic from the city centre but also significantly reduce travel times and increase movements within it.
“This road will also improve the country’s competitiveness in export market as it is destined to contribute to the reduction of the overall costs of doing business,” noted the 81-year-old leader who will be leaving office in two months time after serving for 10 years.
Turning to Malawian traders, Kibaki encouraged them to take advantage of the new road network to explore extra business ventures within and beyond its immediate environs.
“In addition to the advantages, the by-pass will also benefit other neighbouring countries such as Zambia thus promoting intra Africa trade integration.
“This is in line with the objectives of the COMESA [Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa] master plan for infrastructure development where member countries have committed themselves to developing closer partnerships in implementation of economic corridors which will eventually reduce the cost of cross border trade,” he explained.
Kibaki said it was his expectation that the increased inter state trade within the COMESA bloc would create employment and contribute to poverty reduction.
In her speech, President Banda said the road, to be constructed by SADC regional network standards, would lead to improved mobility, generate more development in the area as well as create employment among many Malawians.
“Today’s function goes a long way in the realization of the development priorities my government set in 2012 when I took over.
“The construction of this new road is one of the excellent examples of my government’s commitment to improving the socio economic well being of Malawians by providing improved mobility, access and connectivity for our nation’s socio economic development,” President Banda said.
She said the by-pass will enable traffic going to Zambia and Mozambique pass through Lilongwe without disturbing local traffic while the domestic traffic going to the north and south of Malawi will also ably pass through the city with minimal delays.
Banda, however, urged those residing along the corridor to cooperate with the contractors to ensure that work is completed in time.
“No one should develop or cultivate in the road reserve… Compensation was paid for a road corridor of six to 10 meters implying that all land within this corridor has been reserved for future expansion,” she warned.
President Banda then pledged that her government would ensure implementation of the project does not suffer serious challenges that would negatively affect its progress.
While in the country, the Kenyan president also laid wreath at the mausoleum of Malawi’s founding president Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, held a high-level discussion with the business community and also met Kenyans living in Malawi.
Labels: JOYCE BANDA, KENYA, MALAWI, MWAI KIBAKI, ROADS
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'Zambia's road network has potential to facilitate trade'
By Brina Manenga-Siwale in Livingstone
Thu 01 Nov. 2012, 12:30 CAT
THE Road Development Agency says Zambia has an extensive road network with potential to facilitate trade and commerce.
Making his presentation during the on-going African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) annual general meeting in Livingstone on Monday, RDA senior manager for construction and maintenance Charles Mushota said the extensive road network would provide the country with good internal access to agriculture and tourism areas.
He said it was unfortunate that most roads were in a deplorable state.
"Due to many years of neglect, the condition of the road infrastructure had deteriorated to an extent that at the end of the 1970s, only 40-50 per cent was considered to be in good condition. By the beginning of the 1990s the value of the network had shrunk to US$1.5 billion from US$2.3 billion in the 1970s and only 20 per cent of the network was in good condition," Mushota said.
He said the roads in Zambia and some parts of Africa have continued to deteriorate despite attempts by the World Bank and donor support to save the road network.
Mushota said the government recognised the key role road infrastructure plays in realising sustainable economic development.
"In the view of the new government, the unmet demand for physical infrastructure to support the delivery of transport services limits economic opportunity and is therefore a major barrier to the achievement of meaningful national development," he said.
Mushota said the government would rehabilitate and upgrade the existing road network, including feeder roads in all districts, to prescribed standards.
He said the government would construct ring roads around major cities to decongest the central business districts.
"The construction of roads will promote employment creation through the use of labour intensive technologies and the use of local resources," said Mushota.
Labels: DEVELOPMENT, RDA, ROADS
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COMMENT - Excellent.
Sata not happy with pace of Link Zambia 8000 road project
TIME PUBLISHED - Monday, October 29, 2012, 1:57 pm
President Sata talking to Zulu Burrow Consultant Engineer Levy Zulu, during the inspection of the Chiawa-Chirundu road construction.
President Michael Sata is not happy with the pace at which road works on the newly launched
Link Zambia 8000 project are progressing.President Sata who toured the project in Lusaka this morning to check on the progress that has been made so far since he launched the project last month, was disappointed at the rate the contractor is moving.
Mr. Sata took to task Zulu Burrow Development Consultants Chief Executive Officer Levi Zulu over the slow pace of the works and demanded that works be expedited or another contractor would be brought in. The President stressed that if the Chinese Contractor, China Geo was not capable of doing the works, Government was ready to engage another contractor. President Sata said he does not want to see the project take years to be completed because it was of immense economic importance to the country.
“Do you want us to wait for four years before this project is completed? If the Chinese are not capable of doing the works we will bring other people who will do the project,” the President said.
The President warned that the next time he inspects the road works and things are not moving, the contract that was awarded to the Chinese contractor would be terminated. President Sata who arrived at the construction site at exactly 11:25 hours was accompanied by his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations George Chellah and other senior State House officials.
And Zulu Burrow Development Consultants Chief Executive Officer Levi Zulu explained to journalists soon after the President’s tour of the road construction that the contractor was on course with the construction of the project.
He stated that there were a lot of preparations that has to be done before a road is constructed and that these are the ones that have slowed down the pace of the works. He said the contractor had to make diversions and also prepare a place where to get crashed stones among other things before the actual construction of the project would get underway.
But when asked why the President was upset with the pace at which the contractor was moving, Mr Zulu said President Sata was a good President who had a lot of information and therefore knew what to expect from contractors.He however assured the President that everything was under control and that once all the ‘nitty gritties’ where put in place, the construction process was going to move smoothly.
And on the purported resistance of the project by the community in the area, Mr Zulu said Chieftainess Nkomesha Mukamambo the second and her subjects have been fully cooperative and supportive of the project.He said the project has met no resistance as has been speculated, saying he earlier had a meeting with about 17 farmers and other people that have been affected with the project who have agreed to be accommodated somewhere else.
ZANIS
Labels: CHIEFTAINESS NKOMESHA MUKAMAMBO, LEVI ZULU, LINK ZAMBIA 8000, MICHAEL SATA, ROADS
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Sata to oversee road projects
Sata to oversee road projects
By Moses Kuwema
Fri 21 Sep. 2012, 10:30 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has taken over the supervision of the Link Zambia 8000 project from the Ministry of Works and Supply.
And President Sata says his government will work with Livingstone Central UPND member of parliament, Reverend Howard Sikwela.
Launching the Link Zambia 8000 project and commissioning the commencement of works for the upgrading of the Lusaka Leopards Hill Road project via Chiawa to Chirundu district yesterday, President Sata further warned the Road Development Agency not to be cheated by some people over the awarding of road contracts.
"What I would like is to warn the RDA, nobody should come to you and cheat to say 'Sata has sent us to come and get contracts'. I have taken over RDA from the Ministry of Transport because I am bamba zonke. I would like to supervise all these roads," he said.
President Sata said the commencement of the works for the upgrading of the Lusaka Leopards Hill Road project via Chiawa to Chirundu should see the beginning of the PF in Lusaka Province.
He said once completed, the road would shorten the distance to Chirundu as people would not have to go through Kafue.
"This one is also going to link us with Feira and from there we go to Luangwa so that the local people can have access to tourism. There is no tourism for local people. We would like Chiawa confluence to enable our children have access to see wild animals. We have our children who have never seen buffaloes," President Sata said.
"Madam chieftainess Mukamambo, I have given you four roads, this is the first one. The second one will be Palabana Road, the third one will be Chalimbana Road. After these three roads, we are also going to give you a road using the old road from Chongwe to Kasisi and KK International Airport and this will make life of the farmers here… easier."
President Sata said the government would first work on roads in Lusaka before moving to other areas like Luapula Province.
"I am grateful to our Chinese brothers and sisters that they are not only building the roads, they are also assisting with some funds, slightly they may be expensive but we will be able to talk. Then we will move in Luapula Province where we have Nchelenge, Chienge, Luchinda, Kaputa, Mporokoso. Then we have Mansa, Chipili, Kawambwa, Mununga which will also go to Mporokoso. Then we will do Samfya, Luwingu via Ipusukilo," he said.
President Sata called on members of parliament, regardless of their political affiliation, to assist the government identify prominent roads to be worked on.
"Once we know the most prominent roads in your provinces then we should be able to… it depends, if we work very hard and the people who are supposed to give us money they see how this road is coming up… money will just be coming. But let's first show that we can do it," he said.
President Sata said the government had started fulfilling the campaign promises it made last year.
"What we told people during the campaign we are fulfilling. Have you seen our policemen and our soldiers? They are very well dressed. And somebody says we are not fulfilling our promises. What about the districts which we are creating?" President Sata asked.
President Sata later introduced the widow of former Bank of Zambia governor Valentine Musakanya and told the audience that he had promised her that he would work on the road before he died.
"This lady is the widow of my brother Valentine Musakanya. They are the first people who came to settle on this road. There was nothing and they have seen all the development coming and I said before I die I want to prove to my brother who is dead that my sister now cannot go to Kafue to go to Chiawa, she will use this one," he said.
Earlier, before giving his speech, President Sata invited Rev Sikwela and PF losing candidate for the Livingstone Central seat, Joseph Akafumba to the dais and told the audience that he would work with the duo in his government.
He said it was good that Akafumba and Rev Sikwela were not fighting despite the former having been defeated in the by-elections.
"They are not killing each other, you have seen them together, they are even standing next to each other so anybody preaching that… and because they have exhibited that they are willing to work together I am inviting them, I am going to work with them in government," President Sata said.
And chieftainess Nkomeshya said her prayers and those of her subjects had been answered through the government's fulfilment of its campaign promises.
She said she was misunderstood by the previous regime of the MMD under Rupiah Banda for having asked for development in her chiefdom.
"This day brings a lot of memories to me, as a person and as a leader of the community here. You recall Your Excellency that because of my requests, which were misunderstood, I was threatened to be removed from this throne, to which I have been on it for many years (41 years). I was threatened to be removed because I asked for the development. I was accused of having been your supporter because I put a question as to why should the people in this area continue to vote even in 2011 when our vote was not valid? They thought I was campaigning for you when I was talking about the development of this country. I prayed to my God that, 'indeed if I made a mistake to ask for Your people, let this throne be taken away, I won't mind. But if You gave me this throne on behalf of your people, You will defend it', and indeed my God defended it. On September 23, 2011 God answered our prayers," chieftainess Nkomeshya said.
She said Zambians helped her to maintain her throne but added that she was ready to risk her life and stand firm whatever the outcome of the elections.
Chieftainess Nkomeshya also thanked President Sata for inviting her to the official opening of parliament last year, saying the whole period of the MMD rule, she had never stepped into the Parliament Buildings.
She also called on the RDA to take the road project seriously.
"The materials that you will use should be of good quality and should stand a good test of time," she said.
Chieftainess Nkomeshya further said some people had been accusing President Sata of creating new districts in Lusaka so as to make her paramount chief, to which President Sata responded: "why not?"
The Link Zambia Project will result in the construction of about 2,290 kilometres of roads at an estimated cost of K7.9 trillion in the first phase of the project.
The second (2) phase will cover 3,049 kilometres of road network at an estimated cost of K11.25 trillion while the third (3) phase will involve upgrading 2,862 kilometres of road network with an estimated cost of K9 trillion. All these projects are expected to be carried out over a five-year period.
"The launch of this project signals the beginning of the revolution to modernise Zambia and subsequently convert it into a complete land linked country. This also fulfils one of the promises made by President Sata to the nation during his address to Parliament last year that government would embark on the construction of various roads which include the Lusaka Leopards Hill Road project via Chiawa to Chirundu," President Sata's special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah stated before the launch.
Several cabinet and deputy ministers and former vice-president Enoch Kavindele witnessed the launch.
Labels: MICHAEL SATA, ROADS
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President Sata launches Link Zambia and declares that he has taken over RDA contracts
TIME PUBLISHED - Thursday, September 20, 2012, 1:15 pm
President Michael Sata this morning launched the Link Zambia 8000 Project and the construction of a bridge at Chongwe River.
President Sata said the project marks the beginning of many road construction projects as outlined by the PF government during the election campaigns.
He said the PF government has started fulfilling some of the election promises as can be evidenced by the creation of new districts and the construction of new roads.
President Sata also promised to work on the Palabana and Chalimbana Roads as a way of opening up the country.
He said he had promised the people of Chongwe during the official opening of Parliament that he would deliver a good road network adding that the launch of the project is a fulfillment of that promise.
President Sata has also requested that MP’s should submit a list of priority roads in their respective constituencies in order to speed up the identification of road construction projects.
He said donors are willing to fund such projects but that Zambia needs to show that it has capacity to deliver.
Meanwhile, President Sata has announced that he has taken over the supervision of all road contracts under the Roads Development Agency to ensure efficiency and transparency.
He said the RDA will now not report to the Ministry of Works and Supply but State House in order to address corruption allegations at the agency.
President Sata said the RDA should be weary of some individuals and organisations that may seek road contracts using his name.
The Link Zambia Project will result in the construction of about 2, 290 kilometres of roads at an estimated cost of K7.9 trillion in the first phase of the project.
The Link Project will also go over Chongwe River and connect to Feira right through to Luangwa Bridge.
The road will provide a link to Kasisi, Chipembi, Chalimbana and Palabana among other areas.
Labels: MICHAEL SATA, RDA, ROADS
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Lusaka multi-facility economic zone gets $5m infrastructure
By Henry Sinyangwe
Fri 14 Sep. 2012, 10:20 CAT
INFRASTRUCTURE worth over US$5 million has so far been put up in the first stage of the Lusaka East Multi-Facility Economic Zone. And Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone general manager Zan Baosen has called on local investors to take advantage of the facility and invest in the area.
Zan said the US$5 million had been used to construct a road and an initial structure at the site. He also said about eight foreign investors had expressed interest to invest in the area.
"We treat all the investors the same regardless of where they are coming from. And the minimum amount to invest in this place is US $500,000 because we need to enhance the industrial image, so one needs to have enough initial capital to maintain the place," said Zan.
Meanwhile, commerce permanent secretary Stephen Mwansa says the government was putting up roads infrastructure in rural areas to enable easy accessibility to all parts of the country by investors.
"The idea is to ensure that every part of Zambia is accessible. At least the trunk roads, once they are done, they will make it easy to be able to deal with secondary roads and feeder roads to allow access to every part of Zambia and bring development into the hinterland of Zambia," Mwansa said.
He said most of the money from the US$500 million Euro-bond which has since received a B+ rating from global rating agency Fitch, and soon to be issued, would go towards road infrastructure.
"Government is putting in as much resources as possible and recently you heard that government is floating the Euro-bond to the value of $500 million and most of that will go towards infrastructure development, and especially road infrastructure. That is the broad-based vision which is to make Zambia a good place to do business and live and we will be able to attract more investment into the rural areas by making sure that these places are passable, and they have the basic infrastructure to make somebody live a normal life," said Mwansa.
Labels: BONDS, INFRASTRUCTURE, LUSAKA, MFEZ, ROADS
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Limata warns civil servants against 'delaying' development
By David Chongo in Solwezi
Sun 02 Sep. 2012, 10:25 CAT
NORTH Western Province minister Josephine Limata says she will not allow civil servants in the region to undermine her work by failing to monitor development projects.
According to Limata, some civil servants were underestimating her position because she's a woman and were not diligently overseeing works, especially road construction on three roads in Solwezi, which have inexplicably been stalled.
Limata said she would not take kindly to responsible officers who were not following up on contractors delaying development as it would jeopardise her position.
Limata, flanked by provincial deputy permanent secretary Douglas Ngimbu, expressed surprise that roadworks awarded to contractors on Lexus/Zambia/Chawama road, as well as College and Magrade roads, which were to be completed in four months, were still far from completion.
She warned regional officials from Road Development Agency and Rural Roads Unit that she would not accept incompetence from anyone under her supervision.
Limata alleged that it was possible that responsible officers who were not monitoring projects were sharing money with some contractors so it was difficult for them to demand accountability for delayed works.
Limata expressed concern that resources allocated to the province for projects would soon be reclaimed by the treasury if not utilized.
She however commended Solwezi Council for its ongoing rehabilitation works on 12 urban roads stretching 30 kilometres at a targeted cost of K5.5 billion funded from K2 billion local revenue.
Labels: CIVIL SERVANTS, PF, ROADS
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COMMENT - Toll roads... Where did I hear that idea before? Road privatisation is the next trick in the neoliberal/globalist arsenal. Ownership of raw materials and land, then ownership of telcos, mail delivery, really the entire infrastructure that everyone uses so the middle class can be levied and charged into oblivion. More from the blog of former 'socialist' New Labour minister and director at NM Rothschild & Sons, John Redwood, back in 2009:
The Sunday Times Rothschilds story. Britain is about the have their entire roadnetwork privatised this way.
The BBC states: "5. It would raise a lot of money for a cash-strapped exchequer - £100bn according to a report by the bankers NM Rothschild". More
on this blog.
Taking a toll on road users
19/03/2012 00:00:00
by Emmanuel Ndlovu
DESPITE the idea of tolling in Zimbabwe being hailed as a bold effort in combating fiscal distress and towards the rehabilitation of rudimentary road infrastructure and maintenance thereof, perennial problems arising from lack of accountability and transparency have presented a new set of problems.
Mal-administration, misappropriation, corruption, poor control mechanisms and revenue leaks have become the byword of the tolling system in Zimbabwe. There is urgent need to address diminishing confidence of both road users and citizens in general over the entire toll gate revenue collection process through inculcating a culture of accountability and transparency.
Tolling is a relatively new phenomenon in Zimbabwe. There are currently more than 24 tollgates dotted around the country’s major roads. The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) is mandated to manage the road maintenance fund including setting road-user tariff levels, collection of the funds, disbursement of the funds to road agencies and the monitoring of the usage of such funds.
Since the inception of the idea of tolling, toll gates have generated revenues of more than US$15 Million. The revenue, we are told, is helping the Ministry of Transport to transition out of the fiscal quandary and to ease the burden of the state in financing road infrastructure works.
Ever since their introduction in year 2009, toll gates have been generating an average of US$1,5 million on a monthly basis. According to a report by the Ministry of Transport, 90 percent of the revenue has been remitted to ZINARA with the remaining 10 percent being retained as administration fees.
Problems of revenue misappropriation, mal-administration, corruption, politicisation and outright greed continue to dog the entire process. As Zimbabwe comes of age in its tussle with diminishing public funds to meet the demands for a new and improved transportation infrastructure, it is increasingly becoming important to invest more and more in public-private partnerships (PPP).
Tolling is highly-regarded as a solution to shortfalls in central government financing, but a new set of problems that have presented themselves have greatly imperiled government’s ability to manage the process alone. Public-sector initiatives are thus needed and should be viewed as having the potential to improve quality of life at a reasonable cost, through implementing transportation solutions that can improve quality of life for the public by providing relief and creating economic development opportunities.
In the majority of instances, PPPs provide the opportunity to build projects more quickly and at a lower cost, such as the completion of the needed tolling infrastructure. However, such partnerships require risk sharing, which must begin with an evaluation of each party’s objectives and respective ability to bear risks. In this regard, enduring tolling infrastructure must be constructed through a public-private partnership on a build, manage-and transfer basis.
There has been a growing public outcry that the distribution of the proceeds from the toll gates has been undemocratic and inequitable to the extent that the distribution of the money was done with little regard to its intended use. Toll gates dotted around Zimbabwe have rudimentary infrastructure. They have poor or non-existent verification methods of the amounts being collected.
According to a report given by the Ministry of Finance to Parliament, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is incurring tremendous losses from running tollgates on behalf of ZINARA. One Member of Parliament boasted in the House of Assembly that his constituency has immensely benefited from the benevolence of the Ministry of Transport which awarded his constituency a hefty share which far exceeded what was actually needed by the constituency. He stated that instead of getting the US$400,000 which they had requested for, the Ministry actually gave his constituency US$1, 8 million.
This raises concerns that the distribution of the money was influenced by other ulterior motives leading to the whole process being regarded as partial, inequitable and not need-based, raising concerns that the money is being used for patronage and vote buying.
This is against the backdrop that the money generated from toll gates should be used for the resurfacing of roads, patching up potholes and financing the construction of permanent shelters at the designated tollgate points.
Roads today are in a horrific state of disrepair and ZINARA and ZIMRA continue with their endless disputes which are not helping road users. ZIMRA corruption at the toll gates, crooked allocation of tickets, failure to adequately monitor and control revenue inflows and non-existent tracking mechanisms capture the state of the tolling system in Zimbabwe. ZINARA also admits that it does not even have control or influence over the printing of tickets, allocation and monitoring thereof.
Against this backdrop, and in order to curb these challenges, there is need for the tolling franchise to be awarded to cities/ municipalities to take over the responsibility of collecting tollgate revenues in order to ensure that the money is used equitable for its intended purpose and minimise chances of accountability and transparency becoming a perpetual mirage. This shall also aid stakeholder monitoring and tracking, which is highly critical.
In this regard, consultation between councils and various other stakeholders is critical. The responsibility to maintain should also be assumed by local authorities. The Ministry of Transport in this case can offer maximum rate of return. In instances where revenue exceeds specified levels, a portion of the excess must go to the state so that this does not create a drag on the state’s ability to support other projects.
As a best practice, government should not only offer minimum revenue guarantees but also prescribe the maximum annual rate of return. This will ensure that the money is used towards its intended benefit. This has the potential of boosting public and corporate confidence and trust and eliminating revenue leaks and mal-appropriation and mal-administration.
Emmanuel Ndlovu is the Advocacy and Programmes Manager for the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association. He writes in his individual capacity.
Contact him: umanu.ndlovu@gmail.com
Labels: ROADS, TOLL ROADS
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