•WORKS on the Mufuchani Bridge across the crocodile-infested Kafue River in Kitwe have commenced. Above, some of the pillars that will support the bridge have already been erected. Picture by MOFFAT CHAZINGWA

By MOFFAT CHAZINGWA –

THE  construction of the Mufuchani Bridge across Kafue River in Kitwe has progressed.
Kitwe District Commissioner (DC)Chanda Kabwe on Sunday inspected the works to check on progress of the works.
Mr Kabwe was impressed with the progress made by the contractor, China Henani International Corporation (CHICO), currently standing at 40 per cent.
The DC said Government was committed to ensuring that the project for construction of the Mufuchani Bridge was completed on schedule.
He said Government attached great importance to the programme for infrastructure development because without the necessary infrastructure, there could be no meaningful development.
“This is why we have been working round the clock to ensure that this bridge and many other infrastructure development projects across the country are done,” he said.
Mr Kabwe said the people of Mufuchani area had suffered crossing the crocodile-infested Kafue River risking their lives for too long.
It was now time for them to have a permanent bridge constructed for them to lessen their burden of having to cross the river in dug-out canoes.
Resident engineer Johannes Delange said the contractor was on schedule in completing the project.
“So far, 40 per cent of the works have been completed and we are looking forward to completing the project on record time,” he said.
Mr Delange assured Government of quality works once the project is completed by the expected end of this ended.
The construction of Mufuchani Bridge will open up land for development across the River where a new central business district for Kitwe has been proposed from the shortage of land for expansion within the current town.