By SYLVESTER MWALE –
THE upgrading of the Monze-Niko Road in Southern Province is behind schedule by four months because of the difficulties in importing bitumen and other building materials.
According to a progress report, the two companies – Unik Construction and Buildcom Construction Limited – that are tarring the 74-kilometre stretch at a cost of K299.9 million have struggled to import bitumen from South Africa.
The Chinese firm and the Zambian company who started the works in July last year are also owed K31.4 million by the Government in unpaid arrears for part of the works that have been done.
. Saili
Road Development Agency (RDA) public relations senior manager Loyce Saili said the agency was, however, pleased with the progress that had been made despite the challenges.
She said the agency was also sorting out the outstanding payment for the works that have been done which had also contributed to the slow pace of the implementation of the project.
Ms Saili said the road, which was being done under the Link-Zambia 8,000, would ease the movement of goods and services between Monze and Namwala districts.
“As you know this is a farming area but it is taking four hours for one to drive on this road from Monze to Niko, which under normal circumstances, would take less than an hour.
“With this road, we believe it will be able to help in boosting economic activities in the area because people will easily take their produce to the market without difficulties,” he said.
Meanwhile, the first ever cantilever bridge in Zambia which is being built across the Zambezi River in Sioma District in Western Province is on course ahead of commissioning in February next year as scheduled.
The suspended 252 meter long structure on the Senenga-Sesheke Road which started in May 2013 is being built by China Henan at a cost of K108.2 million.
Ms Saili said the overall progress on the construction currently stood at 70 per cent.
Ms Saili, who expressed happiness at the progress made, said the bridge which is being supervised by EG Petit and Peters, has a great importance to the country as it connects Sothern and Western provinces.
