•ROAD Development Agency project manager for World Bank funded projects Nicholas Mulenga (right) looks at one of the piles for the Mufuchani Bridge on Kafue River in Kitwe. Looking on is resident engineer John De Lange. Picture by CLEVER ZULU

By CLEVER ZULU –
WORKS on the Mufuchani Bridge on the Kafue River in Kitwe are progressing well, the Road Development Agency (RDA) has said.
The Mufuchani Bridge is set to expand Kitwe boundaries beyond Riverside Township and connect the city to Kakolo farming block.
RDA project manager for World Bank funded projects Nicholas Mulenga said the project is progressing well with good quality works and expected to be finished within schedule.
“This bridge is funded by the World Bank, it is progressing well and will be completed as scheduled,” he said.
RDA awarded the K 62.7 million contract to China Henan Construction company and works started in May 2014 and expected to be done in November 2015.
“The bridge will be 160 metre long with access roads, street lighting and pedestrian crossing. It will provide a permanent and safer crossing point for the local people,” RDA senior manager public
relations Loyce Saili said.
Ms Saili said the bridge will facilitate development and expansion of Kitwe Township and reduce risks associated with crossing the river by dugout canoes.
Kitwe Town Clerk Bornwell Luanga said that a lot of people have died trying to cross the river while Kitwe has also seen reducing land for expansion.
“The bridge will create access to the other side of Kitwe where a possibility of the creation of a new town is possible because of vast land,” he said.
Mr Luanga said developers have since expressed interest in real estate development in the area once the bridge is done.
Meanwhile, tha RDA has closed the Kafulafuta weighbridge to pave way for maintenance and rehabilitation works that are expected to gobble up K450,000 over a period of seven weeks.