Zambia road network receives rehabilitation support

21 December 2009

The Zambian government has received $75 million (£46.6 million) to improve the state of its transport infrastructure and has announced the first projects to be funded by the loan.

Part of the money from the International Development Association will be used to rehabilitate 135 kilometres of roads, build a bridge on the Kafue River and recommission a pontoon in the Kalabo District, the works and supply permanent secretary was quoted by the Times of Zambia as saying.

Bizwayo Nkunika said the improvements would help the transport of both cargo and people between Lusaka and Chirundu.

He also noted the project could boost the nation's tourism economy because the pontoon - which has a capacity of 20 tonnes - would enhance accessibility to the Liuwa National Park and to the western part of the Zambezi River.

Zambia also recently signed a $23 million contract with Japanese firm Konoike to improve and maintain roads in Ndola and Kitwe.

Category: Transport