By JAMES KUNDA –
VARIOUS stakeholders have hailed the US$500 million Copperbelt-400 (C-400) road project that will result in the refurbishment of roads in eight towns on the Copperbelt.
This follows the signing of a contract between the Road Development Agency (RDA) and China Henan International Company (CHICO) on Monday this week.
CHICO would embark on the works in conjunction with Zulu Burrow Development Consultants to design, construct and upgrade a total of 406 kilometres of roads.
The targeted towns are Ndola, Kitwe, Kalulushi, Luanshya, Chingola, Mufulira, Chambeshi and Chililabombwe.
The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) said the project would place economic potential of the Copperbelt at a higher level.
ZACA information and publicity secretary Juba Sakala said yesterday that the association was happy with the development.
“It is a welcome development because a good road network is essential for easy movement of goods, services and people. This will also reduce damage on the motor vehicle fleet,” Mr Sakala said.
He said the contractor, CHICO, should make the best out of the tender granted by the Agency so that the roads could be durable enough to service the growing number of users to support economic growth.
“The contractor must not betray the confidence shown in them by the Government. We hope that they will do a good job to make travelling by road a much more pleasant experience,” he said.
The Kitwe and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KDCCI) said the project would result in spurring economic growth.
KDCCI president Allan Nyirenda said in a separate interview that the C-400 project would massively benefit small, medium and corporate business entities operating in the province.
He said the project would allow manufacturing companies move their produce to the market faster.
“Any form of infrastructure development is welcome and the road sector is no exception. The C-400 is a welcome solution in ensuring that major roads are repaired to enhance the movement of goods by road,” he said.
CHICO would collaborate with Burrow Development Consultants to design, construct and upgrade 406 kilometres of roads on the Copperbelt in the project which officially commences next year.