By SYLVESTER MWALE-
THE partnership between the Zambian Government and the World Bank which has existed since 1955 has manifested into distinguishable development programmes that have positively changed the country’s economy over the years.
Today, the World Bank boasts of a strong partnership which has seen the country getting financial support in various sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, climate change, health, energy and mining to mention just a few.
But the latest symbolic of a strong partnership between the Government and the global bank is the construction of the Chiawa Bridge in Chirundu District at a cost of 53.8 million.
It is a spectacular modern infrastructure which comes against the background of the accelerated national roads construction programme by the Zambian Government through the Road Development Agency (RDA).
The project which started last October was initially set to be completed in February but extended to June due to some technical challenges.
Currently, more than 80 per cent of the works have been done with almost all the materials laid out on the surface of the structure which will now replace the pontoon.
The road project by China Henan International which is expected to be completed before the end of next month is set to reduce the distance and link Chirundu to Lusaka via Leopards Hill Road.
Additionally, while the 160-metre long Chiawa Bridge is set to spark economic benefits to the country, it is also posed to act as a saviour to thousands of residents in the area who have suffered a great deal to cross the vast river.
Until now, motorists, residents and pupils have been using a pontoon alas, at a cost to cross to access education at Kapululila Secondary School, while others have resorted to peddle on canoes.
“I have many friends of mine who are unable to come to school sometimes because they cannot cross the river,” said Fritz Vlahakis, a 14-year-old Grade Seven pupil at Kapululila Secondary School.
“With this bridge I know that many pupils will be able to attend schools without any difficulties, and I would like to thank the World Bank and the Government for coming to our rescue.”
Apart from schools, economic activities by Chiawa residents are mainly conducted across the river in Chirundu where villagers selling various merchandises spent most of the time doing their businesses.
In this regard, the infrastructure will provide better access to amenities such as markets, schools and health facilities as well as benefit local agriculture and tourism development.
The local community feels that the construction of the bridge is long overdue because of the persistent suffering that they have experienced in crossing the river.
“Unfortunately some people have died while trying to cross on the canoes, while others have been eaten by crocodiles,” said Justina Saidi one of several residents that have been taking a risk to cross on canoes.
“You have come late to make this bridge because I am old and I may not use it for a long time. But I am happy because my grandchildren will still use it.”
Ms Saidi who sells oranges across the river said the absence of a reliable crossing point on Kafue River had been a source of concern for many people who have struggled to access basic services in Chirundu.
Vincent Kafunda another resident in Chiawa noted that it’s had been costly for people to move into Chirundu from Chiawa.
“Our prayers have been answered with this bridge,” he said. “I can’t wait to see vehicles and people passing on top of this beautiful structure because we have really suffered.”
Mr Kafunda called on the Government to ensure that the Lusaka Chirundu Road was also worked on quickly following the construction of the Chiawa Bridge.
Bernard Mayuni said motorists are currently asked to pay K56 per trip to use the pontoon.
“But now it will be free once the bridge is open and I am grateful to the Government the world bank for thing about us,” he said.
Admittedly, the Chiawa Bridge is undoubtedly another symbolic achievement for the World Bank in improving the lives of the people in Zambia.
“As World Bank we are happy that this bridge project will change the lives of many people around the area,” said World Bank country director Kundavi Kediresan who inspected the site last week and interacted with the local people.
“Most importantly, I am happy that women are happy with the project because this will ease their movement and transform their lives while pupils will have easy access to schools across.”
She said it was the desire of the World Bank to ensure that road infrastructure was improved in order to reduce transportation cost of various goods and services.
Ms Kediresan said good roads were not only important for the country’s economy, but also safety, especially in Zambia where road traffic accidents were high.
The RDA which is implementing the project has not been disappointed by both the World Bank in terms of funding and the ACE Consulting Engineers who are supervising China Henan.
“For us at RDA, this is an important project because it does not only shorten the route from Lusaka to Chirundu, but also open the country to the Great Lakes region,” said RDA project manager, Nicholas Mulenga.
Mr Mulunga noted that with the completion of the structure, the agency would soon announce the contractor to work on Lusaka-Chirundu Road.
He also assured that necessary measures have been taken to prolong the lifespan of the bridge by painting it to avoid corrosion.
The construction of the Chiawa Bridge is certainly an important milestone in the historic relationship between the World Bank and the Zambian Government.
The project is set not only to raise the status of the local people whose movements have been restricted due to lack of a crossing point, but also bringing Chirundu district in the mainstream economic activities of the country.
The bridge is also posed to improve connectivity to the seemingly isolated lower Zambezi National Park, thereby boosting tourism while at the same time reduce transportation cost of agriculture products among small scale farmers.
More importantly perhaps, the new bridge will provide a shorter connection for national and international traffic between Lusaka and Chirundu.