By JAMES KUNDA –

MORE than 2,000 kilometres of road network are being constructed under Link Zambia 8000 road project, Parliament has heard.
Works and Supply Minister Yamfwa Mukanga said so far, 460 kilometres of roads have been fully surfaced and ready for use with daily progress being recorded on the other projects.
Mr Mukanga was responding to MMD Sikongo Member of Parliament (MP) Mundia Ndalamei who asked a follow up question to MMD Chembe MP Mwansa Mbulakulima’s query on the status of the Link Zambia 8,000.
“The project is on course and according to the contracts given out so far, about 2,600 kilometres of roads  are currently being worked on. Government is closely monitoring the project to ensure full benefits for both the client and the contractor,” he said.
Mr Mukanga said the project was also being constantly reviewed to suit the economic environment as the cost of construction had increased due to the depreciation of the Kwacha.
He said limited funding and access to lines of credit by some contractors had contributed to the slow pace of works in some parts of the country.
“Government has, however, moved in to ensure that all pending issues are addressed and work continues to ensure prompt project delivery,” he said.
The House also heard that 851 sites had been identified countrywide for the construction of new dams to boost water reserves.
Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister Charles Zulu said this had been done under a World Bank funded project worth US$50 million.
Mr Zulu was responding to UPND Kalabo Central MP Chinga Miyutu who asked whether the Government had any plans to improve the retention of surface water in various water bodies countrywide.
“Yes Government has plans to improve the retention of surface water in various water bodies and 100 dams will be constructed by 2018,” he said.
Mr Zulu said the site identification programme for the dams was ongoing and MP’s were encouraged to solicit for the facilities on behalf of their constituents.