. Mvunga

By JAMES KUNDA –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has advised the people of Southern Province to ignore critics of the Bottom Road project as it is meant to spur growth in the area.
Mr Lungu said the Bottom Road was a strategic road that could spur economic development in the province due to the numerous opportunities for diversification in areas of agriculture and tourism.
“I know of economists who question these road projects saying are ‘Zambians going to eat roads?’. I am not an economist, but I surely know that a good road network is a key to unlocking our potential in other sectors of our economy to spur growth,” he said.
The President was speaking in Sinazeze yesterday during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Bottom Road lot 2 project.
Lot 2 of the project being undertaken by Stefanutti Stocks Zambia Limited includes upgrading to bituminous standard of 108 kilometres of gravel from Chaboboma to Sinazeze via Sinazongwe District at a cost of K592 million.
On lot one of the same project, 132 kilometres of road would be upgraded to bituminous standard by next year and so far the project is 70 per cent complete.
A warm welcome greeted the President, who arrived at the site just before 12:00 hours, as Sinazongwe residents could not hide their joy to see the project, which would take two years to complete,
officially commencing.
Mr Lungu said he had turned a blind eye to critics of his development programmes, as such people were enemies of progress.
He said the Bottom Road, which is part of the Link Zambia 8000 project, would aid fish traders and crocodile farmers, among other entrepreneurs, to conduct their business effectively.
The President cautioned Stefanutti Stocks Zambia Limited to ensure that the project was executed within the stipulated timeframe owing to the colossal capital investment.
The Head of State also directed that preference be given to the local people in the subcontracting process as per Government policy.
“I wish to implore the minister of Transport and the Road Development Agency (RDA) chief executive officer to ensure that Zambian contractors with a good track record are sub-contracted on this
project. I further direct that local people here be employed for both skilled and unskilled positions where they possess necessary skills and qualifications,” he said.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga said his ministry would closely monitor the road works to ensure quality workmanship.
“This is an important project for our people and we will ensure quality workmanship so that it is delivered on time to enhance value for money,” he said.
Sinazongwe Member of Parliament (MP) Richwell Siamunene said critics of the PF were ashamed to see the project progressing as promised.
Mr Siamunene, who is Defence Minister, said he decided to work with the PF because he was confident that the Bottom Road project would materialise.
Southern Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu said the project would improve the movement of goods and people in the area during the rainy season.
He said Sinazongwe was home to many fish and crocodile farmers and the upgrade of the Bottom Road would enhance tourism and farming activities.
Senior Chief Sinazongwe commended the PF administration for prioritising the construction of the route.
“Your Excellency, we are very happy that after 50 years of inactivity, the PF Government has commenced this project which will connect the three districts and make us live as one people,” he said.
The remarks of the traditional leader were echoed by his counterpart Chief Chipepo who gave a vote of thanks.
After delivering his speech, President Lungu took some time to test the road equipment before departing the site for Maamba.
The President was accompanied by Finance Deputy Minister Christopher Mvunga and his State House counterpart Mulenga Sata as well as Special Assistant for Political Affairs Kaizer Zulu, among other senior Government officials.
President Lungu later proceeded to a brief tour of the 300 mega watts (MW) thermal plant currently under construction at Maamba Collieries.
Mr Lungu said the quick commissioning of the plant would go a long way in alleviating the country’s dependence on hydro-generated electricity.