DBSA loans $71m for transport improvements in Zambia

24 May 2011

Some $71 million (£44 million) has been loaned by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA).

The cash will be used to finance the upgrading of five major roads in Zambia to tarmac standard, it has been revealed.

Alphonsius Hamachila, NRFA public relations officer, said that the money forms part of the $262 million DBSA has loaned the NRFA for work.

The roads receiving the upgrade are Chipata-Lundazi, Kalulushi-Lufwanyama, Kabompo-Chavuma, Mumbwa-Landless Corner and Senanga-Sesheke.

Mr Hamachila said three of the five roads form part of the Trans-African Highways route running from Cape Town to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Katanga Province and beyond.

"By developing the road infrastructure in Zambia, areas of high economic potential normally out of reach will become accessible and attract potential investors in agriculture, mining and tourism," Mr Hamachila said.

Meanwhile, the African Development Fund recently announced that it would be loaning $64.8 million to Uganda to improve the nation's rural infrastructure.

Category: Transport