.LUNGU
By HOPE BWALYA –
THE Road Development Agency (RDA) has contracted China Geo Engineering Corporation Southern Africa Limited to rehabilitate the Chingola-Solwezi Road at a cost of about K1billion.
This follows the revelation by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu that Government was going to work on the damaged Chingola-Solwezi Road to ease transport problems faced by transporters and commuters between the two strategic provinces. This was during Mr Lungu‘s familiarisation tour of North Western Province.
Road Development Agency (RDA) chief executive officer Kanyuka Mumba said the Lot 1 contract was costing K 481, 085, 786.95, while the Lot 3 was costing K 586, 506, 638.14.
Mr Mumba, who was speaking during the signing ceremony of the contracts, said the two projects where expected to be completed within 24 months upon commencement.
“Lot 1 will be executed within 24 months from date of commencement at the contract sum of K481, 085, 786. 95, while Lot 3 will be executed within a period of 24 months from date of commencement at contract sum of K 586, 506, 638. 14 VAT inclusive,” he said.
The CEO said the contract for Lot 1 covered a distance of 60 kilometers while Lot 3 covered 68 kilometers.
The signing of these contracts came four days after RDA signed the Lot 2 contract for the full rehabilaitation of 40 kilometers of the same road.
Mr Mumba cautioned the contractors to ensure the project was delivered under the agreed conditions.
“The RDA will not expect anything short of high quality works. The contractors are instructed to ensure that the project is delivered within the intended construction period and to the prescribed standard,” he said.
He further appealed to road users to exercise patience, as the road being rehabilitated was for their good.
Meanwhile, China Geo Engineering managing director Li Jinping said the company was going to work within the time frame that was given.
“We will complete the road within the time we are expected to finish it,” he said.
Mr Li thanked the RDA for the contract awarded to them as this was an opportunity to showcase their capacity.
