CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGNING OF THE KAZUNGULA BRIDGE SOON

Kazungula pontoon to be replaced with a bridge soon

President Banda has said the construction and designing of the Kazungula Bridge across the Zambezi is expected to commence by the end of next year.

President Banda explains that the construction of the Bridge which will start in 2011 will accelerate trade ties between Zambia and the entire southern region.

He said this during the official opening of the fifth session of the tenth National Assembly in Lusaka today.

Mr Banda said a good transport and communication network is vital for commerce and trade   adding that infrastructure is critical to development.

He  said that government  has  put  emphasis on  construction, maintenance  and repair  of the  country’s  physical infrastructure.

The President   noted that the  repair and upgrading of  roads  throughout the country  is progressing well and that  key roads  being  upgraded or constructed include Serenje-  Mansa , Mutanda – Zambezi –Chavuma, Choma Namwala, Chipata - Lundanzi  and Chipata- Mufwe.

And other roads to be completed  next year include  Kasama –Luwingu ,  Kabompo-Chavuma , Senanga –Sheseke , and   the renewal  of the  Great   east road  from Luangwa bridge  to Mwami  border  and the construction of Mongu –Kalabo.

Meanwhile  government says it will remain  committed  to fully  implementing  the National decentralization policy,  and  that  government has also  approved  the decentralization  implementation  plan  (DIP)  for 2010-2013.

President Banda called on all stakeholders identified in the plan to support government in implementing this important programme.

He however noted that government has  enacted  legislation  to allow  for the re-introduction of  the local government  service  Commission  to ensure  that qualified staff  are employed in councils.  

President   Banda noted that government is continuing efforts to develop infrastructure and enhance service delivery at Local level.

ZANIS