Concerns are mounting as the much-needed construction of the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway continues to face funding delays. The project, which was expected to commence in 2020, is yet to take off, leaving the public in despair.
Road Development Agency -RDA- says the official commencement of the Lusaka – Ndola dual-carriageway is expected to commence in March which is the last extension the authority has given to Macro Oceans Investment Limited who were awarded the contract.
In February, 2023, the New Dawn Government signed a USD 577 Million concession agreement deal with Macro-Ocean Investment Consortium for the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of 327 Kilometers Ndola-Lusaka Dual Carriage Way and the rehabilitation of the 45 Kilometers Luanshya-Fisenge Masangano Road.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, RDA, Acting Communications Manager, Anthony Mulowa said the agency anticipates that the funding will be attained by Macro Oceans Investment Limited within the projected time for the commencement of the project.
According to RDA spokesperson, Mulowa, the concessionaire has until March to seek funding for the project, but could not confirm where the funds will come from.
The Lusaka-Ndola road is a critical transport link that connects the capital city of Lusaka to the Copperbelt province, where most of the country’s mining activities take place. The current road is narrow, poorly maintained, and has become a major hindrance to trade and commerce in the country.
The construction of the dual carriageway has been on the cards for a long time, and the government promised to commence the project last year. However, the delays in funding have stalled the much-needed project, leaving the public unsatisfied.
Mulowa explained that the concessionaire still has only up to March, 2024 to secure funding adding that so far the indications have been positive.
Asked about where the source of funding is coming from and who exactly has delayed the project by not releasing funds on time, Mulowa said, “Am not aware of where they are getting the funds from but remember last time there was an issue with NAPSA so if at all they agreed, they are in business because they have been lending several businesses so if they agree on certain terms there is no problem but at the moment Macro Oceans Investment Limited has not come to us to say where they are getting the funding from and once that is done we will tell the public because definitely, this is a matter of public interest.”
Asked about the assurance that RDA is giving to the public as to whether indeed the construction of this project will commence in March when there have been several postponements and considering the fact that only days are remaining to March, Mulowa said, “We are working around the clock to ensure that the project starts after the rainy season.”
“Remember I said we have given this to the concessionaire so we don’t have much control as we are only the contracting authority so they have to come back to tell us when the funds are ready but it has to be within the given timeframe.”
“But what is so important is that they have been doing reasonable work on site because one thing that you need to know is that we have to create a diversion where cars should pass when the actuall construction start, so I think things are going just well and we are certain that we will attain our desired goal.”
Asked if RDA is likely to postpone the commencement of the construction of the road if the Concessionaire fails again to find funds during the time which has been given, Mulowa said, “We are not looking at that because we have been assured that the funding will be sourced before the time, so we are not looking at failure or whatsoever as far as we are concerned we are on course and the concessionaire is on course and has been giving us positive indications.”
