Lafarge Zambia has handed over the Musamba bus stop worth over ZMW 150,000 to Chilanga District Council.
The idea to build a bus stop and shelter was realized after Lafarge conducted a road safety audit which revealed that there was a need for a bus stop at Musamba junction, as having no bus stop posed a risk to the general public and school children.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on March 11 2020 in Chilanga, the Chilanga Plant Manager James Kirkpatrick said Health and Safety is Lafarge Zambia’s core value hence when ever the company does, be it plant operations, on the road and in the community, it considers health and safety first.
“The bus stop will help the flow of traffic for Musamba and Kafue road users, as well as allow buses to safely stop at the bus stop, unlike before, where the drivers had to stop their vehicles on the side of the road, which was unsafe”, He said.
Kirkpatrick further said the bus stop was fully funded by Lafarge at a cost of one hundred and fifty-five thousand Kwacha 155,000 and constructed by a local contractor Hanex Engineerin adding that the bus shelter consists of a concrete lay by, curb stones, shelter and branding.
Meanwhile, when asked how the company broke down it’s cost on the project, Lafarge Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager Sarah Banda told ZBT in response to a press query that the Musamba bus shelter in Chilanga was supported by 40 square metres of concrete road (lay by), 60 curbing stones, a shelter installed with a bench, branding, as well as marked roads in line with the Road Development Agency – RDA standards.
In addition the Company has had the works inspected by RDA and Chilanga district council to meet all the health and safety standards for a bus stop.
And receiving the bus stop on behalf of the Chilanga District Council, the Chilanga District Commissioner Edith Muwana said she was happy with the strong commitment that Lafarge Zambia continues to create in the community through sharing best practices not only with employees but with the many stakeholders that the company interfaces with such as Government.
“I am reliably informed that last year, you recorded Zero incidents on the road and in your Plants. This is commendable! Health and Safety remains the Government’s top agenda item, as every month, around 130 people die on our roads. This bus stop will help reduce the pedestrians and motor vehicle conflict which has been happening at Musamba all along,” She said.
