THE signing of the contract by the Road Development Agency (RDA) and China Henan International for the upgrade of urban roads on the Copperbelt yesterday is yet another mark of the Government’s resolve to improve road infrastructure in different parts of the country.
The contract, worth around US$500 million certainly reinforces the Government’s desire to enhance proper road network for easy connectivity and economic prosperity at both household and national levels.
It also dispels any pessimism on whether there are enough resources to keep the pace of road infrastructure development that has been the bedrock of the Patriotic Front administration since 2011.
The new project, which has been dubbed C400, is apparently a copy of the L400 road project which is currently ongoing and involves the upgrading and construction of 400 kilometres of urban roads in Lusaka.
This is in addition to the Link Zambia 8000 and Pave 2000 which has done a great deal in making Zambia a land-linked country.
The need to have a better road network cannot be overemphasised, especially for a developing country like Zambia where the movement of goods and service is critical to the well-being of the economy.
While critics will hardly tire to oppose such a significant project, there is little or no doubt that the C400 will be a relief to residents on the Copperbelt who have witnessed a rapid deterioration of their roads with little or no intervention at all over many years in the past.
Copperbelt has been known to be the hub of the country’s economy thanks to its richness in minerals particularly copper which has been a driver of the national economy for a long time.
But it is hardly an exaggeration of fact that until now, both township and truck roads have not received adequate attention for a long time.
Today, a number of main roads on the Copperbelt are currently under major rehabilitation or have already been rehabilitated while most township roads have outlived their usefulness.
It is the tarring of these township roads that is set to spark wider smiles among the people in Kalulushi, Chambeshi, Kitwe, Chingola, Mufulira, Ndola, Luanshya and Chililabombwe that are set to benefit from the C400.
As stated earlier, a good road network is crucial to driving economic activities and there is no doubt that the upgrading of township roads under this new contract on the Copperbelt will significantly improve the economic status of the region.
People are assured of smooth movement from one area to another within acceptable time frame while accidents that have become almost the order of the day could equally be reduced.
Furthermore, there is even a greater benefit in that the C400 road project is set to employ more than 1,000 people at its peak. This too will certainly enhance economic status of several households.
It is against this background that the Government should be commended and supported to ensure that the project is a success.
Lack of finances have been cited as some of the problems that some projects have experienced but we note with delight that the C400 project has received an assurance that the full payment would be done within six months after the commencement of the works.
This will not only help to speed up the works by China Henan and ensure that it is completed within the agreed 38 months, but also help the Government do as many projects as possible.
It is therefore imperative that all well meaning Zambians particularly from the Copperbelt ensure that the C400 receives maximum support.
This is the only way that the Government can deliver the much needed development to the people.
It is exciting to note that the L400 has gained momentum and with the commencement of the C400 road project, any doubts on the Government’s capacity to continue with its massive road project should be put to rest. OPINION