Government wins kudos over Mongu-Kalabo Road project
By Times Reporter
SOME civil society organisations, a political party and a development expert have commended Government over its commitment to build the Mongu-Kalabo Road with anticipation that the development will attract and promote investment into the Western Province.
Vice-President George Kunda confirmed at the weekend that Government had sourced funds for the construction of the road.
China’s State Councillor Dai Binggou during his state visit this week said his government would consider the export buyers’ credit to support the construction of the Mongu-Kalabo Road.
Fred Mutesa, a development expert said yesterday that for a country to develop, the government must take bold decisions that are not motivated by economic activities in a given area.
“It is important to take infrastructure to areas where there may be no immediate return because investment will follow. As long as Zambians will get value for the money and the road will connect the country this is a welcome development,” he said.
The former development studies lecturer at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and now Zambians for Empowerment and Development (ZED) president, however, said Government must get people with the skills to build the road.
Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) information officer Obby Chibuluma commended the Government for the commitment. He said Western Province had lagged behind in development.
He said the construction of the road would open up the province to development and investment because of the developments in the Angolan economy.
He said the construction of the road was a strategic initiative by the Government.
United Liberal Party (ULP) secretary general Langton Sichone said every government had a duty to provide development to the people.
Once constructed the Mongu Kalabo road would open up Zambia to Angola.
