Road Development Agency

A GLANCE AT WORKS ON THE MASANGANO-FISENGE-LUANSHYA ROAD

LUSAKA- NDOLA DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WORKS

Works on the first 70 kilometres (Lot 1) of the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway have gained momentum.

Lot 1 involves works between Ngwerere roundabout to Chibombo District.

The works are at various stages of construction.
On the first section, clearing and grubbing, filling of selected layers upto subgrade level, construction of lower subbase and drainage structures has been done in a number of places.

The second section has partially been cleared and grubbed and filling of selected layers is ongoing while construction of stabilised subbase is yet to commence.

Construction of drainage structures is as well in progress.

Works are also ongoing from Chibombo to Kapiri Mposhi and from Kapiri Mposhi to Ndola as well as the Masangano-Fisenge-Luanshya Road section.

ASPHALT PAVING ON THE 3.1KM STRETCH OF MUOYO ROAD IN NALOLO DISTRICT OF WESTERN PROVINCE

REHABILITATION OF CHURCH ROAD IN CHIPATA

The Road Development Agency (RDA) is undertaking rehabilitation works on the access road also known as Church Road to the Presidential Lodge (Luangwa House) in Chipata District.

The works include rehabilitation of 700 metres of access road to Presidential Guest House with concrete pavers as final road surface finish.

The following works have been completed:

1. Ripping of the existing pavement has been completed; and

2. 3% cement stabilization of subbase has been completed.

The stabilized section is currently being cured after which the installation of pavers will be done.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY IN NAKONDE SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED

Works on the construction of the dual carriageway in Nakonde are substantially completed with only auxiliary works such as the drainage and walkway remaining.

The dual carriageway will reduce the congestion which is being experienced in the border town.

The Road Development Agency (RDA) has also installed solar street lights and is in the process of constructing a bypass at the border area

The RDA has been rehabilitating the Chinsali-Nakonde Road in Muchinga Province.

The Chinsali-Nakonde Road section forms a part of the Zambian Great North Road (T2) that is also a section of the Trans-Africa Highway and the North-South Corridor (NSC).

The rehabilitation works have been split in two sections, Lot 1 is from Chinsali-Isoka (103 kilometres) and Lot 2 is from Isoka-Nakonde (107 kilometres).

NAMUSEBA DRAINAGE WORKS IN MONZE

Works at Namuseba drainage structure in Monze District have advanced.

Curing the top concrete deck is underway and only slope protection works remain to be done.

Physical progress of works achieved is 95%.

KATETE-CHANIDA PPP ROAD PROJECT

On October 9, 2023, the Government, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), signed a Concession Agreement with Messrs. Lutembwe Consulting Company Limited to rehabilitate the Katete-Chanida Road and build a new border post at Chanida to a One Stop Border Post (OSBP) standard using the Public Private Partnership (PPP) financing model.

Since the signing of the Concession Agreement, the Concessionaire and the RDA have been working to meet their conditions, which are precedent jointly and severally.

PPP initiatives are funded through equity and debt. As a result, the Concessionaire proposed to begin construction on about 10 kilometres of the project highway starting from the junction of the Great East Road and the Katete-Chanida Road utilising the equity component.

In light of the aforementioned approval, the Concessionaire has subsequently mobilised to the site and begun construction works, as shown in the images below.

AfDB, RDA CONFER

A team from the African Development Bank (AfDB) yesterday paid a courtesy on Road Development Agency (RDA) Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Grace Mutembo.

During the engagement, the two parties discussed matters relating to potential technical support in packaging for financing and attracting private sector investment for future Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) along the Lobito corridor. These included the rehabilitation of the road from Lumwana to Mwinilunga and from Mwinilunga to Jimbe in North Western Province, among many others.

The AfDB team was led by Mr. Ekow Coleman.

REPAIR WORKS AT LUANGWA BRIDGE IN CHAMA DISTRICT

The Road Development Agency (RDA) is undertaking repair works at Luangwa Bridge in Chama District in Eastern Province.

The works will be completed and the bridge would be opened to vehicular traffic in the next three weeks.

Following the washaway of an approach embankment to Luangwa Bridge on January 27, 2024 due to flash floods experienced in the area, the Chama-Matumbo Road was cut-off completely at Luangwa River.

However, at that time, emergency works to restore vehicular traffic could not be undertaken due to high water levels as well as lack of accessibility across Kamphemba River which was also flooded.

A footbridge was constructed within 24 hours after a washaway to reinstall pedestrian connectivity and other forms of traffic such as motor bikes and ox-carts.

The water levels have now reduced significantly and the Agency has since instituted permanent remedial works.

Foundation works for the control building at Mpongwe Toll Gate upgrading project

KASEMPA-MUMBWA ROAD CRITICAL TO ZAMBIA'S DEVELOPMENT

Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Miluipi says the Government recognizes the economic potential the Kasempa-Mumbwa Road poses and it is working on short and long term interventions to improve its state.

In an effort to marshall up a collective and well coordinated response, Hon. Eng. Milupi today led the team from the Road Development Agency, National Road Fund Agency, Road Transport and Safety Agency, National Council for Construction and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development to undertake an accessment to inform interventions that will culminate in providing a lasting solution to providing a reliable link to Kasempa from Mumbwa and vice-versa.

Hon. Eng. Milupi, was also accompanied by Kasempa Member of Parliament, Hon. Brenda Tambatamba, who is also Labour and Social Services Minister.

Photo focus: Kasombo and Malolwa ACROW Bridges commissioning in Kabompo District

GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS KASOMBO AND MALOLWA ACROW BRIDGES IN KABOMPO DISTRICT

Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Miluipi has today commissioned the Kasombo and Malolwa ACROW Bridges in Kabompo District in North Western Province.

Hon. Eng. Milupi said it is pleasing to note that two more ACROW Bridges were being commissioned in Kabompo District not too long ago after the commissioning of a series of six ACROW Bridges in Zambezi District on 15th April 2024.

“This is indeed a remarkable development which is testimony to the commitment and determination by the New Dawn Government under the leadership of his Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema to improve bridge and road infrastructure especially in the rural parts of the country,” Hon. Eng. Milupi said.

He added that exactly three weeks ago, his team was also in Northern Province, where it commissioned two ACROW Bridges in Lunte and Luwingu Districts on 22nd June 2024.

He said the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development through the Road Development Agency (RDA) is undertaking a programme under which it will construct and install 131 ACROW Bridges in seven Provinces.

A total of 33 crossing points have been identified for construction and installation of ACROW Bridges in North Western Province. The completion of works at Kasombo and Malolwa now brings the cumulative number of ACROW Bridges constructed in North Western Province to eight.

Hon. Eng. Milupi said the remaining 27 bridges in the Province would be constructed and installed within the shortest possible time in order to ease connectivity for the people.

The Kasombo ACROW Bridge has been constructed at a contract sum of K7,987,878.56, while the Malolwa ACROW Bridge has been constructed at a cost of K6,470,195.76. Works on Kalwilo ACROW Bridge at a contract sum of K9,938,927.92 are ongoing, and physical progress is at over 25 percent.

Defence Minister Hon. Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma said it used to take five hours to drive from Kabompo CBD to Kasombo, a stretch of about 119 kilometres and during the rainy season, the road was impassable because of non-availability of the bridge.

Hon. Lufuma, who is also Kabompo Member of Parliament said this would change and was happy that the area which had great potential in mining and agricultural activities had been opened up for business.

Hon. Lufuma said that after the completion of the Kasombo ACROW Bridge access had been enhanced, and this would facilitate the transportation of building materials for the construction of a school in the area.

He said that during the construction phase of Kasombo ACROW Bridge, 39 local people were employed.

North-Western Province Minister Hon. Robert Lihefu was happy that several road and bridge projects were being undertaken in the Province, thereby connecting it to the Democratic Republic of Congo and other parts of the country.

RDA Board of Directors Chairperson Eng. Mulchand Kuntawala said the Agency engaged the Zambia National Service (ZNS) for the construction of the substructures, assembly, and launching of prefabricated ACROW Bridge panels on the Kasombo, Malolwa and Kalwilo Bridges in Kabompo District.

Eng. Kuntawala said the works commenced in the second quarter of 2023 and have been completed at Kasombo and Malolwa.

He said one of the major challenges encountered while undertaking works on the ACROW Bridge programme in Kabompo District is access to the respective project sites, which has been extremely difficult.

He said the primary feeder roads are in a poor state, and the soil type or terrain is sandy and best accessed using 4x4 vehicles or those with a higher specification such as military trucks.

Eng. Kuntawala said now that the bridges had been constructed and installed efforts will be directed towards rehabilitating the roads once resources are secured.

“This will be done in order to enhance connectivity and accessibility to markets and farming areas by our citizens in these far-flung areas. The Board and Management of the RDA would like to assure the Government of our unwavering commitment and dedication to successfully implement the ACROW Bridge programme across the country, which when fully executed over a period of time, will result in the construction and installation of 131 ACROW Bridges over various water bodies across the country.

“We also remain resolute in ensuring that all road and bridge projects being implemented by the RDA countrywide are of the right price, to the specified quality and delivered timely,” he said.

Zambia National Service (ZNS) Deputy Commander Maj. Gen Reuben Mwewa said the ZNS would remain committed and professional in the ex*****on of projects despite the harsh terrains whenever called upon to do so.

HON. MILUPI COMMISSIONS THE REHABILITATED SOLWEZI WEIGHBRIDGE

Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi has commissioned the rehabilitated Solwezi Weighbridge in Solwezi District North Western Province.

The weighbridge, including other associated infrastructure has been rehabilitated at a cost of K58,419,148.82.

Hon. Eng. Milupi said the Government through the Road Development Agency (RDA) has been constructing and rehabilitating roads in an effort to improve the state of the Core Road Network to facilitate the smooth transportation of goods and services.

He said the Government considers the road sector as one of the most important sectors of the economy as roads promote efficiency in the movement and delivery of goods and services and is a pre-requisite for economic growth and poverty alleviation.

“In this regard, your Government is undertaking several measures to improve the road network such as construction of weighbridges to control the load on the roads in order to prolong their use. Despite the measures being taken by Government, we have noted with great concern the prevalence of overloading of heavy goods vehicles which has adverse impact on the life span of our roads,” he said.

Hon. Eng. Milupi said the noble effort to improve the Core Road Network will be in vain if the Government does not limit the loads being transmitted on the roads.

Hon. Eng. Milupi said if roads, both old and new, begin to deteriorate due to uncontrolled loads that were being ferried on them, the cost of repairing these roads will be unbearable, especially on the already constrained national treasury.

“The commissioning of the rehabilitated Solwezi Weighbridge will go a long way in boosting efforts to preserve the road asset. As you are all aware, North Western Province is now the new Copperbelt, which means more machinery to support mining activities is being transported to the province via the roads. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that axle load regulations are adhered to,” he said.

North Western Provincial Minister, Hon. Robert Lihefu said the RDA had consistently demonstrated a high level of commitment, professionalism, and efficiency in its operations and the successful completion of the Solwezi Weighbridge was a testament to the tireless efforts and its ability to overcome numerous challenges.

Hon. Lihefu said the weighbridge project from conception to its completion had required meticulous planning, robust engineering solutions, and effective coordination among various stakeholders.

“The RDA’s role has been pivotal in ensuring that all these elements came together seamlessly. Their hard work and perseverance are indeed worthy of our deepest appreciation, and I commend every individual involved in this endeavor,” he said.

Hon. Lihefu said the Solwezi Weighbridge was not merely an infrastructural project but was a catalyst for multifaceted progress and development that will benefit Solwezi District, the North Western Province and the entire nation.

RDA Board of Directors Chairperson, Eng. Mulchand Kuntawala said the contract for the works was awarded in January 2018 to Messrs. Savenda Management Services with the project manager’s representative being BNS Consultants in association with LNH Consulting Services.

Eng. Kuntawala said the original contract period was for 12 months for completion by 9th January 2019 and then subsequently, the final revised completion date was set at 31st
August 2022.

“It took us four and a half years to complete a one-year project, primarily due to not matching projects to the financial envelope available. Hon. Minister Milupi, your Board of Directors, directed Management to stop this style of project management and is under strict instructions to undertake projects at the right price, of the right quality and complete them within the right time frame. this will reduce the overall cost of projects,” he said.

Eng. Kuntawala assured the Government that the Agency will continue to be alert in its determination to curb overloading on public roads by constructing additional modern weighbridges whilst upgrading and rehabilitating the existing ones.

“The RDA will enforce the law to curb overloading on public roads by also utilizing the mobile weighbridges recently procured in areas which are prone to the vice and where fixed weighbridges do not exist. Through this stringent enforcement we will be able to preserve our road and bridge assets which are constructed at a huge cost to the Government.

Eng. Kuntawala urged the trucking fraternity to be compliant to the permissible load criteria as prescribed in the legal framework.

“It is no use crying foul on bad condition of the roads when we ourselves damage the road furniture, just to make a quick buck by overloading our trucks as we move forward with technology, the RDA is in the process of procuring “weigh in motion” weighbridges which will reduce the transit times for the truckers,” he said.

KIMASALA-MUSH*TALA BAILEY BRIDGE IN SOLWEZI COMMISSIONED

Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi has today commissioned the K7.7 million Kimasala-Mush*tala Bridge connecting Mush*tala and Kansanshi Mine to Kimasala, Zambia compound, airport and the Central Business District.

Before the construction of the bridge, the people around the bridge area faced hardships in their movements as well as delivery of goods and services.

Hon. Eng. Milupi said the construction of this bridge has led to the decongestion of the Kansanshi-Miteck Road which is highly congested during traffic peak hours.

“The Mush*tala-Kimasala Bailey Bridge which has been constructed at a cost of K7,711,656.92 by the Road Development Agency Provincial Office, has created an alternative connection of Solwezi West to the East of Solwezi.

“This is the kind of development the New Dawn Government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema is determined to bring across all parts of the country without segregation,” he said.

He said the works on this bridge started way back in 2015 but it has taken the New Dawn Government a short period of time to complete the bridge construction works and open it up to traffic.

RDA Board of Directors Chairperson, Eng. Mulchand Kuntawala said the Agency under Force Account in 2015 commenced construction works of the Kimasala- Mush*tala Bridge.

Eng. Kuntawala said the project was motivated by the need to have an alternative route to connect the West to the East of Solwezi town and the design was a three span 48.8 metres composite bridge.

He said the project initially started in 2014 and the works stalled due to non-disbursement o f funds and at that point in time the progress stood at 40%.

“However, due to the high-water levels posing a challenge with construction works, and with the increased cost of materials, a change in the design was made to ensure tha t the construction was done at a reduced cost.

“The design was changed from a composite bridge to a bailey bridge. In June 2021, funds were released to transport t h e bailey bridge components from Mongu in Western Province to Solwezi,” he said.

Eng. Kuntawala said the new scope of works under the bailey bridge design involved: transporting the bailey bridge components from Mongu to Solwezi, spot improvement of the two access roads leading to the bridge construction site, construction of the embankments on either side of the existing abutments and extending the bearing shelf to receive the deck at the abutments and pier to accommodate the width of the bailey bridge.

Others works included assembling and launching of the prefabricated steel superstructure and casting of concrete approach slabs and retaining walls on both sides of the abutments.

Eng. Kuntawala said the works were completed on 30th April 2024 and the bridge was opened to traffic.

“This is another example of where a project was started way back in time, in 2014 to be specific, and not completed in time due to not undertaking the projects within the financial resource envelope. Key to delivering road projects to our citizens is through what we preach on a daily baisis – at the right price, of the right quality and in the right time frame,” he said.

CASTING OF CONCRETE FOR SUBSTRUCTURES AT LWAMFUMU ACROW BRIDGE IN MANSA DISTRICT

The Road Development Agency (RDA) is constructing an ACROW Bridge at a crossing near the Zambia National Service (ZNS) camp at Lwamfumu in Mansa District in Luapula Province.

The bridge is located approximately 23 kilometres from Mansa, off the Mansa-Nchelenge Road at Lwamfumu ZNS camp.

The bridge is expected connect the ZNS camp to the security loop which runs along the Luapula River from Chembe District to Mwense District.

The casting of concrete for the substructures at the bridge construction site is underway.

REHABILITATION WORKS ON THE LUSAKA-MONGU ROAD FROM TATEYOYO GATE-KATUNDA JUNCTION ARE SET TO COMMENCE SOON

The rehabilitation works on the 87.3 kilometres section of the Lusaka-Mongu Road from Tateyoyo Gate-Katunda Junction are set to commence soon.

Site possession and the commencement order were issued on June 24, 2024 to the contractor China Geo-Engineering Corporation.

The contractor has started mobilising and will fully mobilise by the month-end of July 2024.

IN-HOUSE TRAINING ON ADMINISTRATION OF DISCIPLINE AND GRIEVANCE HANDLING

The Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) has conducted a two-day training on the administration of discipline and grievance handling for Road Development Agency (RDA) Board Members and senior management staff.

The training underscores the importance the RDA attaches to issues of discipline in the ex*****on of the agency's mandate.

Discipline is cardinal in establishing clear expectations for employee behavior and performance. By setting and enforcing standards, employers create a culture of accountability and professionalism that ultimately benefits the entire organisation.

SPOT IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON THE CHIPATA-CHADIZA ROAD COMMENCE

The Road Development Agency (RDA) is undertaking spot improvement works on Chipata-Chadiza Road in Eastern Province.

The works commenced yesterday and currently, clearing and grubbing works are underway on the first 16 kilometre stretch which is in a poor state.

A total of 22.5 kilometres is earmarked for heavy grading and drainage structures will be installed on critical sections over a stretch of 50 kilometres.

FOCUS FROM THE TOUR OF THE RDA STAND AT THE 2024 ZAMBIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR (ZITF) BY INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MINISTER, HON. ENG. CHARLES LUBASI MILUPI

INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MINISTER, HON. ENG. CHARLES LUBASI MILUPI TOURS RDA EXHIBITION HALL AT THE TRADE FAIR

Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi today toured the Road Development Agency (RDA) stand at the ongoing 58th Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF).

The Agency is among several institutions exhibiting at this year's Trade Fair being held under the theme "Unlocking Economic Potential Through Collaboration and Partnerships."

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Road Development Agency (RDA) Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Grace Mutembo today took time to tour various stands at the ongoing 58th Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Ndola.

Among some of the institutions visited were the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) and the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) General.

RDA BAGS TWO TOP AWARDS AT THE 2024 ZAMBIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

The Road Development Agency (RDA) has scooped two awards at this year's Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Ndola.

The Agency got the first prize in the Best Exhibit- Transport Services and Allied Industries category while the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) got the second prize.

The RDA was at it again and scooped the first prize under the Most Innovative Public Sector category while the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) scooped the second prize.

RDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS VICE CHAIRPERSON ENG. ERASMUS CHILUNDIKA AND CEO ENG. GRACE MUTEMBO TODAY TOURED THE RDA STAND AT THE ONGOING 58TH ZAMBIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR IN NDOLA

PHOTO FOCUS FROM THE ONGOING 58TH ZAMBIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR IN NDOLA

ASPHALT PAVING ON THE 3.1KM STRETCH OF MUOYO ROAD IN NALOLO DISTRICT IN WESTERN PROVINCE UNDERWAY

VISIT THE RDA STAND DURING THIS YEAR'S 58TH ZAMBIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR 2024