SINCE the Link Zambia 8000 road project was launched in September 2012 by President Michael Sata, there has been some misgivings about the reality of the project and the number of jobs that will be created when it takes root.
It is, however, gratifying that the Road Development Agency (RDA) has announced that the 24, 000 jobs expected to be created under the project will be actualised now that the road works have gained momentum.
For sure this goes some way in making the doomsayers swallow their words as it is now evident that the country is now starting to reap the benefits of the project even in its initial stage.
A project of the Link-Zambia 8000 magnitude which is earmarked to transform the country’s road system, it would be asking for too much if people want to see instant benefits.
Over time, this project will open up Zambia to neighbouring countries and convert the country from a land-locked to a land-linked nation. There are far too many benefits that should not be expected to be reaped instantaneously.
The Link Zambia 8000 Project is part of the national infrastructure development that should be supported by all well-meaning citizens. It will result in the construction of about 2,290 kilometres of roads at an estimated cost of K7.9 trillion in the first phase.
The second phase would cover 3,049km of road network at an estimated cost of K11.25 trillion while the third phase would involve upgrading 2, 862km of road network with an estimated cost of K9 trillion.
Such a project should not be viewed in the political landscape because once constructed, the new roads, will not only be used by members of the ruling Patriotic Front or a particular grouping of people but all citizens.
The disclosure by Eastern Province RDA director, Thomas Zimba that the road works on the Great East Road would create between 400 to 500 jobs is an indication that the project is here to benefit all Zambians regardless of their political or regional affiliation.
Under the project, Great East road is being upgraded from Luangwa Bridge to Mwami border in Chipata which opens up the long coveted trade route through the Nacala corridor which leads traffic to the Indian Ocean port of Beira.
Stakeholders must take seriously the counsel by RDA head of public relations Loyce Saili who appealed to local authorities to help address the issue of vandalism on road infrastructure such as signage.
It is a welcome move by RDA to embark on an intense sensitisation programme to inculcate a sense of ownership among the people and change attitudes concerning road safety and the importance of road signs.
It is also good that every province is being given particular attention based on its kind of terrain in the Link Zambia project.
The decision by RDA to realign some portions of the road network in Eastern province would be realigned to reduce on sharp curves, which have been the danger-spots contributing to road traffic accidents especially around Nyimba area.
It is a terrain like the curvy and mountainous parts of Great East road that badly need the road signage to alert motorists on the stretches.
We also hope the sensitisation against the rampant tampering with road signs will also be extended to villagers who have been putting up makeshift stall too near to the road such that motorists who buy their wares are forced to park so close to the highway.
So apart from the over 24, 000 jobs expected to be created by the Link Zambia 8, 000 project, the accrued benefits to the country are immeasurable.