The government has signed a PPP concession agreement to upgrade 371km of the Mutanda-Kasempa-Kaoma Road to international bituminous standards
Also referred to as the Western Corridor, the road is a critical route for trade and commerce, including the movement of mineral products. The road has mainly been used by mining companies moving cargo to Walvis Bay in Namibia but has been in a very bad condition.
It is the shortest distance between Lusaka and North-Western and will enable the movement of goods and people from Lusaka to North-Western and Western provinces and onwards without passing through the Copperbelt.
Minister of Infrastructure, Urban and Housing Development Charles Milupi described the project as historic.
The project includes upgrading 10km of urban roads in Kasempa and another 10km in Kaoma to bituminous standard. Two new bridges will be built at Lalafuta and Luena rivers.
The development, operations and maintenance concession agreement worth more than US$326 million has been signed with the Barotse Highway Limited consortium for 25 years, including two for construction.
