New Bridge To Be Constructed By Japanese Across Luangwa River

The Japanese government has committed to construct a bridge across the Luangwa river on the Great East road to replace the existing suspended bridge. Japan is also willing to give Zambia a grant to construct the bridge.

Japanese Deputy Minister of Lands Infrastructure Transport and Tourism Yoshiyuki Aoki revealed this when he met Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Ronald Chitotela in Johannesburg, South Africa.

And Mr. Chitotela says a team of experts from Japan will be visiting Zambia to carry out an assessment on the type of bridge to put up and how much it will cost.

Mr. Chitotela says the Japanese government has since directed the Japanese Ambassador to Zambia to write a formal letter to the Zambian government on his country’s commitment to construct the bridge.

And Mr. Chitotela said the Luangwa bridge is important to Zambia as it is a gateway to the Port of Nacala in Mozambique.

He added that the suspended bridge has a disadvantage as it only allows one vehicle to cross at a time.

Mr. Chitotela further said the new bridge will boost trade and traffic volume between Zambia and the international community through the Port of Nacala in Mozambique.

Mr. Chitotela, together with three other Cabinet Ministers was in Johannesburg South Africa to attend the Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum which was held in view of accelerating promotion of private-sector-led economic growth.

Meanwhile, The construction of the One-Million-US-Dollar Katembula dam in Lufwanyama district is almost complete and expected to be commissioned by President Edgar Lungu in two weeks’ time.

The dam which is one of the major projects on the Copperbelt is expected to store over 3 million cubic litres of water for domestic and commercial activities in Lufwanyama district.

Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe says the completion of Katembula dam will address the water supply challenges that the people have been facing for a long time.

And Chieftainess Shimukunami of the Lamba people of Lufwanyama said the district has recorded meaningful development because of the good governance and leadership of President Lungu.

She said the people in her chiefdom are appreciating the leadership of President Lungu for honouring his promise to improve water supply in the area.