Government has vowed to protect new roads that are being constructed under the link Zambia 8000 project from unnecessary damage.
Minister of Works, Supply, Transport and Communication Christopher Yaluma said many roads in Zambia and beyond are being damaged by overloaded vehicles.
Mr. Yaluma said the damage on roads has caused adverse economic impact in terms of high maintenance costs.
He was speaking in Chikankata district yesterday when he launched the K11.2 billion Kafue weigh bridge.
Mr. Yaluma noted that government has embarked on vigorously embarked on improving the road network in Zambia in order to trigger economic growth.
He said the new weigh bridge will help decongest operations at the Kapiri Mposhi weigh bridge as trucks coming from the southern corridor will be attended to at the new Kafue weigh bridge.
Mr. Yaluma has since called on road transport business operators to observe acceptable load limits and further urged weigh bridge operators to work diligently and honestly.
And Road Development Agency (RDA) board chairman Willie Nsanda said the new weigh bridge is another milestone in road maintenance.
Mr. Nsanda thanked government for funding various road development projects in the country.
Meanwhile, Chikankata District Commissioner Sylvester Simayaba said the district has experienced various development projects since its creation.
Mr. Simayaba said the new Kafue weigh bridge has added value to the district and stressed that his office will not tolerate corrupt practices at the facility.
The new weigh bridge, whose construction works began in March this year, consists of entrance and exit lanes, queuing lanes, a detention bay and electronic operating system.
ZANIS
In America we pay toll for using high ways. I think that can work for Zambia except corruption. The money will end up in the pockets of toll people. If you find a solution to make sure there is no room for corruption the road net work will be maintained for ever. Profits frpm toll will be used for repairs on the road. Just an idea.
Also protect the roads from Sata.You see,Sata will allows street vendors who litter the streets,block the drains and block access of fire engines.
Why can you intoduce Toll Gate System for trucks and buses? In this way the money realised from this will be used to maintain the roads. This system should only be applied to highways.
Meant to say….. Why cant you introduce Toll Gate Systems.
Actually, I have just seen that even Muyunda Mwansa @1 has mentioned this. Indeed the only fear is corruption. I doubt if the money obtained from this system will be ploughed back to maintain the roads. There should be propoer systems in place to promote transparancy and accountability.
We need a dual carriageway from Ndola to Livingstone for safety and safe driving more accidents will be avoided. Thanks for the new weigh bridge.
If GRZ can stamp out corruption then this money can be put to good use. Imagine even those chaps collecting 1pin parking fees in Lusaka City Center are busy stealing public finds!
THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF PROTECTING OUR ROADS IS BY CONSTRUCTING HIGH QUALITY DUAL CARRIAGE ROADS ON ALL MOTOR WAYS, CONSTRUCT TOLL FACILITIES ON ALL ROADS AND MAJOR RIVERS BEFORE ENTRY INTO ANY TOWN EXCEPT PUBLIC TRANSPORT, CONSTRUCT MORE RAILWAYS TO CONNECT ALL TOWNS INCLUDING MORE WEIGH BRIDGES.
Good move, more of these place one on the Great East Road (GER) as well…a look at Zambia Development Agency website; you will notice that there are a number of investment opportunities for Toll Fee Paying Dual Carriageways ie Pedicle Road through DR Congo and Kitwe Chingola/ Solwezi Dual Carriage Way. If works haven’t started and investors found already!!
There are just so many investment opportunities on Zambia Development Agency website; guys form partnerships with overseas nationals whom are eager for tangible opportunities and lets develop Zambia.