By FLAVIOR CHISHALA –

GOVERNMENT has hailed the contractors of the L400 road project in Lusaka for working at a satisfactory rate.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communication Deputy Minister Mutaba Mwali said Lusaka was growing at a very fast rate hence the road network needs to be expanded, modernised and improved.
Dr Mwali said this yesterday during a check on the L400 works on Chilimbulu, Burma and other selected roads.
He, however, noted that most of the works were behind schedule because of the challenges and obstacles that contractors faced in their operations.
He urged the contractor to pay particular attention to the areas of conflict between the pedestrian and cyclists so as to ensure road safety.
Dr Mwali was also saddened by Zesco’s decision to demand a K10 million for the relocation of service cables and poles because this was a hindrance to the progress of completing the project.
He said that the distance from one bus stop to the other was long and that this would result in motorists forcing their way into pavements and walk ways.
“There are so many obstacles affecting the works such as the property that cannot be relocated on Chilimbulu Road where the dual carriage way could not be constructed because of over fifty properties that were not demolished,” he said.
Road Development Agency director maintenance Emmanuel Kaunda said the need for upgrading roads in Lusaka was high leading to delays in the time of completion.
Mr Kaunda said obstacles such as relocating water pipes, Zamtel and ZESCO cables had greatly hindered progress and reduced the pace of the works.
“The $360 million that was released for the 480 kilometre road network was so limited which is why only selected roads are being worked on and this has also contributed to the delay in handing over of the project,” he said.