The government says it has recorded tremendous achievements in the implementation of the infrastructure projects in the transport sector.
Minister of Transport and Communications Mutotwe Kafwaya sited the construction and rehabilitation of the 830 kilometers road network and the upgrading of airports in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone, as some of the achievements government has scored in the last five years.
Mr Kafwaya said the government has upgraded the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Airport in Livingstone in Southern Province while Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe airport in Ndola are being upgraded as part of the transport infrastructure projects.
The Minister said government has also finalized the development of the National Transport Master Plan which he said will facilitate institutional reforms.
He explained that the reforms developed by government will ensure efficiency and effectiveness of operations in the transport sector.
He stated that for the institutional reforms to be achieved, they will be focused on funding, infrastructure and operations.
Mr Kafwaya reiterated government’s vision towards providing a sustainable and efficient transport system in the country, saying that the transport sector is one of the key drivers of economic growth.
He added that developing and improving the quality and reliability of transport infrastructure and services is a main priority for government.
The Minister also urged all cooperating partners to support government in its quest to develop an efficient and cost effective transport system.
The Minister was speaking when he graced the 2019 Transport Sector Performance Review Forum which has brought together all stakeholders in the transport sector.
And Speaking on behalf of all Cooperating Partners, Africa Development Bank Group country Manager Mary Monyau said the sector working group will support initiatives in the transport sector that significantly contribute to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction that will transform the lives of the Zambian people.
In a speech read for her by AfDB Senior Country Specialist Natan Jere, Ms Monyau said the new National Transport Policy of Zambia which was launched recently with support from the World Bank, promises a brighter future for the sector.
She said government deserves to be commended for the new policy, stating that it takes into account the new idea, trends and developments in the sector.
She noted that Zambia being a vast landlocked country, it requires a transport network that promotes international competitiveness.
She added that the cooperating partners will continue to work with government in the transport sector in order to contribute to the betterment of the Zambian people.
Should also concentrate of the railways….
Yes tremendous achievement as a conduit to enrich privileged individuals
The working government, HaJealousy. Let’s develop this thing. Stop Children.
“He who does not give praise is a son of a witch.” Sorry a wizard.
The only tremendous thing pf has done is theft and graft like the diplomat said the other day…
The project is fully paid for by botswana goverment.
Zambia is still owing her share.Nothing to be proud of ba kolwe.
When is the Kazungula project slated for completion.
Money in your pockets mr minister
The question that follows is at what cost and was the projects value for money? There is no need of self praising when you are indebted because of these selfsame reckless spending and contraction of loans…I mean $1.3 billion for a motorway is utterly ridiculous
It doesn’t matter it is still Hazaluza Hagain Unelectable.
“tremendous achievements” my a$s… I have been all over Zambia the last few weeks or so and the roads linking major towns are terrible, deplorable conditions. I wonder what development these incompetent thieves talk about. All roads I have used have long patches of either potholes or a diversion of poor gravel roads. I have been to Kalundu with mansions and the roads look like they have been bombarded with missiles with deep potholes I wouldn’t drive my car in them. Go to suburbs like Ngombe and it’s like you are in the middle of a warzone. So what tremendous achievements are this dude talking about? In his wallets perhaps. Negro please!
“Tremendous achievements” in airports yes but then do you realize the passenger numbers growth has stayed stagnant or grown very slow? Even Tz has upgraded JNIA in Dar es Salaam but utilization is still under 50% and their new airline still lacks enough load factor.
Nichekeleko contracts