Acting President Guy Scott says the Mongu-Kalabo road once completed early next year will economically open up Zambia to neighbouring Angola.
Dr. Scott said he is happy with the massive infrastructure investment undertaken by the PF administration on the 35 kilometre stretch road project.
He said the road will stir trade ties between the two countries as well as improve the livelihood of the people.
The Acting President was speaking in Mongu today when he inspected and toured the on-going road works. Government through the Road Development Agency (RDA) has engaged Avic International and Rankin Engineering Consultants to construct the US$286.9 million road project.
He stressed that government had the duty and mandate to develop Western province and Zambia as a whole.
He said the road once completed will cut away water transport which he said was expensive to the people of Mongu and Kalabo districts when travelling to and from the two areas.
During the rainy season, the boat is a major source of transport among the indigenous people.
Earlier, RDA Western Regional Manager Gershom Mwagomba disclosed that a total of US$160 million has so far been utilized on the road works.
Mr Mwagomba assured the Acting President that the road works project is on course.
He further disclosed that so far 70 percent of the project has been done, a move which impressed Dr. Scott.
Meanwhile, Dr. Scott, who was accompanied by his wife, Charlotte, PF Mongu Central Member of Parliament Nathaniel Mubukwanu, Western Province Permanent Secretary Augustine Seyuba, Local Government and Housing Minister Emmanuel Chenda, PF Secretary General Davies Chama and other senior party and government officials, inspected the maternity annex and the Relatives’ shelter that are almost complete at Lewanika General Hospital.
Western Province Medical Officer Andrew Silumesi disclosed that once the maternity annex was completed, it would help de-congest the ordinary maternity wing at the hospital.
The Acting President has since returned to Lusaka after concluding his one-day tour of developmental projects in Mongu district in Western province.
there is so much confusion in Zambia,,,, Guy scot is talking about a road while admiring a bridge,, is it brigde or road??,,which one??,,,, then the road is mongu-kalabo road,,, not mongu-angola road or kalabo-angola road…..this road should be locals first ,,, before you start dreaming about the oil in angola which is not ours,,,,,
Bwana that is a 35km suspended road and not bridge. Anyway during the floods it will be a 35km bridge
Why would you want to live in that country?
Why don’t people come abroad and live here?
I know visas are hard, but please try harder
Those pictures are nauseating of Mongu
Thanks
BB2014
suspended roads are only found PF mouths,,,
ba ndobo always talking offside. ama comma mafi mafi
Wow. I have a double! Apologies to Ndobo. I am not that rude. And to ‘the other me’… what has upset you so much that you cannot be yourself and need to borrow my name?
MWATA, THE TROUBLE IS JOURNALISM PA ZAMBIA YALIKOLWA. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO SHOW SEVERAL PICTURES. SOME FOR THE ROAD AND OTHERS FOR THE PARTS OF THE ROAD WHICH INCLUDE BRIDGES AND LAYBIES AND SHOULDERS. IN FACT LT IS EVEN DOING QUITE WELL AS COMPARED TO TIMES OF ZAMBIA, DAILY MAIL, ETC. I JUST HOPE THE OTHER PICTURE WILL COME AS ‘MONGU-KALABO ROAD INSPECTION BY GUY SCOTT IN PICTURES’.
@ Ndobo Guy Scott seems too eager to discuss the Mongu – Kalabo road now for political expediency and yet this road has been in the works for over two decades and yet fails to talk about his government’s failure to ensure that justice is administered to his PF cadres who violently beat up a UPND innocent individual today. Scott’s administration has once again today failed to protect the lives of innocent Zambians and yet his police officers were there! That is what happens when Scott and his P.I.G. (party in government) do not let the police do their work professionally. It seems the police now only act at the bidding of the political powers that be. What good development is there if as government you promote anarchy and fail to not only denounce but prevent violence? Vote PF out.
To all Zambians this elections are more like tribes not about party’s . All zambian presidents come from the same part of the country since independence . Why is it not a single president come from southern province ? If so then Zambia will never develop . Zambia the dark country
Ndobo, This project was originally started by my uncle Simasiku, then deputy minister of finance under Mwanawasa. It is his brain child and efforts that brought this project. Original design was defective and resulted in washed away culverts and abandoned partly developed roads. Mr. Sata got it right with experienced contractors from China with right height and strength of the bridge over Zambezi Plains. It is the biggest single infrastructure development that PF government engaged in and will definitely increase movement of people and goods. Angola is a fastest growing economy in Africa and opening of this road will help residents of Western, North Western, Lusaka, Central and Southern provinces immensely. A big thank to this massive economic boost to my people and connecting Kalabo.
WHAT WORRIES ME IS THAT OUR CIVIL ENGINEERS CAN’T DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT A BRIDGE- EVEN A SIMPLE BRIDGE. AND I WONDER IF ANY STUDENT FROM OUR ONLY TWO UNIVERSITIES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING FACULTY HAVE A YEAR WORK PLACEMENTS WITH THESE COMPANIES CURRENTLY DESIGNING AND BUILDING BRIDGES AND ROADS. ALL THOSE MAGNIFICENT BRIDGES AND ROADS IN WESTERN AND NORTH AFRICA ARE DESIGNED AND BUILT BY AFRICANS OF THOSE COUNTRIES. THE ? IS WHY NOT ZAMBIA’S ENGINEERS? THE ONLY COUNTRY IN THE SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION THAT CAN DESIGN AND BUILD ROADS IS SOUTH AFRICA. WHAT HAVE ZAMBIAN CIVIL ENGINEERS BEEN DOING ALL THIS TIME?
Ndobo sometimes you strike me as a dull chap but again I take it that you are a comic.
#Ndobo please do not make comments on issues you least understand.The bridge the Acting President is looking at is part of the road between Kalabo and Mongu.In simple language the road is passing on the bridge because this area is a wetland( I do not think you understand wetland) and you cannot build a road in an area which has water or which floods most of the time.Do not expose your ignorance in public.Please ask before you yap!!
#nkongoleroads
Guy Scott we are waiting for you to comment on today’s incidence at Mongu Airport. You arrival was ill-timed and we now have a casualty because of unruly PF thugs.
Viva HH, Viva UPND, Viva Endorsers.
The bridge is good news. The Roads exciting news. Who is king of Developments. Yeah. PF.
BE PF ON 20th January OR BE SQUARE ARS!ed UPND! One of them’s attractive!
Where is the negativity in all of PF developments eh? COME ON YOU ZAMBIANS. PF. LUNGU. PRESIDENT.
Boma ni boma Viva Pf EL
that road has been stuck for a LONG TIME!!,,,, no one was working on it,,, now that its elections,,, the erection their things go and ejaculate lies ,,,, what good news are you talking about??
pretty or peter, HH was suspended in second year for exam cheating. You want me to trust a cheat? Never!
EDGAR LUNGU MIGHT DRINK BEER, I ALSO DO SINGLETON SINGLE MALT WHISKEY AND THERE FORE HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH EDGAR LUNGU DRINKING HIS BEER.
BUT I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH EXAM CHEATS NO MATTER WHAT THEY HAVE BECOME IN LIFE. FOR ALL I KNOW EVEN HH PERSONAL WEALTHY WAS ACQUIRED THROUGH CHEATING?
HH CLAIMS TO BE AN ELDER IN THE SDA CHURCH, BUT EVER SINCE CAMPAIGNING BEGAN HH HAS NEVER BEEN SPOTTED IN AN SDA CHURCH.
HH IS SATANIST, A LIAR AND AN EXAM CHEAT WHO SHOULD NOT BE TRUSTED.
Scott’s hands are equally dirty if his government cannot not prevent lives of innocent Zambia through his police officers who have now been reduced to taking orders from PF politicians who to prosecute and who to let free. This is pure incompetence on the part of Scott’s government – he is the one charge.
Today’s skirmish was started and ended within UPND. Show of unnecessary muscle and arrogance cost them. HH is a rude person. Though my tribal cousin, he is not fit to be president of Zambia. Many lozis living in Livingstone will vote for PF as they have been doing (majority of them have never voted for HH). They know more about HH and his greedy, egoistic traits. Ask Sakwiba Sikota, if anybody has any doubt.
Sorry ndobo, I have to respond to your negative comments again. Mongu Kalabo road is a very demanding road to build. During plain floods construction of road has to stop. From October to March there is hardly any activity. Your yapping is out of context. This road is a 4 years project.We are grateful to PF leadership from fulfilling our uncle Simasiku’s dream. Viva PF. We were shattered when our uncle Simasiku lost elections to opposition big talks, despite him initiating and starting the road project. But he was vindicated as the said opposition leader never ever visited the place till next elections. No development till PF government started this project again that hope of bright future came.
Can the UPND explain the meaning behind picking blood colour and a thieving hand in their party symbol. Hope it is not related to the Chomba theory because we detest satanism in Zambia.
@2.4 MWINE MUNZI, EL is not only a drunkard but also a thief who pocketed a client’s money. Go to LAZ and they will tell you why he was “suspended”. The records are there for all and sundry to see. It is only in Zambia that drunkards, corrupt people, tribalists and thieves are allowed to be presidents. Zambia is a country without morals despite it being declared a Christian country. What a misplaced declaration!
PF keeps scoring. Keep it up! Vote PF for a prosperous future (PF)
@kudo
iwe ka kudos…..keep your lies and violence to yourself,,,,,especially that human skull you love so much,,,, you witch who murdered Sata so that you can use his skull for your evil rituals on lusaka times
Ndobo, ignore this infrastructure development but others can see for themselves. The people of Lukulu, Kalabo, Mongu etc, they are the ones who can see for themselves how connected to the people PF is. You are not even here my friend. You are not Zambian. But we are true Zambians and we will vote against your clown (HH) sending him into oblivion. Your (HH) wished his friend dead this afternoon, just so that he could show PF to be violent. He said “the PF thugs have attacked him. They’ve probably killed him” What an evil cretin this (HH)
true zambian dont keep skulls as trophies,,, thats why you are twisted!!,,, and Zambia is a christian nation,, no skulls allowed!!
Ndobo, don’t forget that only the PF government has been brave enough to penetrate your dirty Chikankata area with the help of the USAID WASH project. Prior to that, nobody was able to sort out the open defacation in Chikankata though it was rife. You people used to defacate like animals in the open, in front of children and elders, no shame. Other governments failed to enter due to the strong stench in the Chikankata bush because your feacal products were very potent and intoxicating. It’s like you compete with cows to see who has the strongest smelling dang products.
It cost a lot of money but nevertheless, thank the government we’re are bringing civilization to your kind Ndobo.
By the way, Sata was killed by a satanic handshake from (HH)
So Ndobo if Zambia is a Christian nation then the devil (HH) has no place aspiring for plot 1 in the first place. I concur with you.
@Ndobo
But here’s the secret about that skull….You know how most people will use a cartoon character as an avatar – not in this case.
Wait for it…That is really #Kudos! As in, that’s his picture!
Isn’t it sad? But I can quite understand that it’s safe for him to pretend it’s an avatar and that way he can guage our reaction before he reveals just how much his picture is in tandem with his mind and spirit.
#Kudos, it’s a great picture!
If you want violence, sure vote PF. I detest violence and its cousin PF.
Hem Lozi and Tonga man no goood. Still hate Sata Michael to the grave. Drive ye not on that road you will meet sata there
He should have cancelled the trip after learning of the death.. it’s too little and too late, ones, dad, husband , friend and model was injured, not mention( he means nothing i guess) even a death of a baby gets headlines in big UK
@bryson, Scott and his PF do not care about people’s safety and the rule of law. Violence is their middle name. Have you heard of anyone they have prosecuted as a result of their violent convention? The only time law and order kisses their lips is only if the perceived culprit is in the opposition. Educated voters clearly see through the calisthenics of PF and will not vote for PF. It is only our brothers and sisters who have been deprived of true education will be cheated by PF’s politics of the belly.
More border jobs? You know those roads are built so you can look good as you zoom past the locals in your new 4×4 imported via Angola. Chuckle.
On a serious tip. Maybe it’s a good idea to help the locals buy buses and impose a nice fat road toll on that bridge which can raise money to be used to help empower locals so they will benefit from these roads. Also look at their local industries and what can be exported to or through Angola. Otherwise they’ll go from building boats to struggling to raise money to catch buses that belong to some Lusaka based millionaire…
I still reckon PF are not the ones to follow through but that’s just my opinion…
Say no to violence and yes to peace and development
Viva unity!
hmmm…. sounds nice to be coming from you.
viva sos.
Viva UPND for peace, prosperity and UNITY.
Wow!
Sos is that really you? No, I’m serious, is that you?
Hail the redemption of sos!
Welcome to the light! I’ll echo Pretty and say Viva sos!
Has this got anything to do with Mr. hichilema’s focus on the export trade from Zambia? He spoke of rice and mango plants, and behold…
These guys are following Mr. hichilema’s to-do list. Everything he says will be echoed by a Pf goon not too long after!
Shame!
So Scotty.. you gonna tough it out and only get your revenge in the private voting booth?
I can understand that at your age sometimes it’s easier to just go along, even though every fibre of your being is silently screaming in protest.
I’m still a little disappointed that you didn’t just come out and cleanly say how much you detest being sidelined by these johnny-come-latelys.
We know….deny it all you want……you are for HH.
Ain’t that right Guy? (It’s ok, you can just upvote me quietly and I’ll know.)
Guy Scott seems too eager to discuss the Mongu – Kalabo road now for political expediency and yet this road has been in the works for over two decades and yet fails to talk about his government’s failure to ensure that justice is administered to his PF cadres who violently beat up a UPND innocent individual today. Scott’s administration has once again today failed to protect the lives of innocent Zambians and yet his police officers were there! That is what happens when Scott and his P.I.G. (party in government) do not let the police do their work professionally. It seems the police now only act at the bidding of the political powers that be. What good development is there if as government you promote anarchy and fail to not only denounce but prevent violence? Vote PF out.
While haters in UPND are making fake promises,PF is just pointing at big projects this mighty party is doing!SINCE THEY SAY “SEEING IS BELIEVE”,REAL ZAMBIANS ARE SEEING THE GOOD WORKS OF PF SO WE MUST VOTE FOR EDGAR LUNGU FOR PF TO CONTINUE CARRYING ON OUR BELOVED SATA’S LEGACY!!!!NEVER BELIEVE LIES FROM TRIBAL HH!LETS REJECT TRIBAL PARTY UPND TILL THEY ALLOW A NON TONGA TO LEAD IT!VIVA PF AND GO EL GO!
Guy Scott thinks the road is a PF Project, not at all. That road was started under the Chiluba government (feasibility and surveys) then construction started under Mwanawasa and MMD. Please, give correct facts, construction started early 2002 or so under CCC Joint venture with Grinaker of South Africa.
Any PF liar to dispute this?
breaking news; today 12 people killed including 2 police officers and 11 others injured in an attack in Paris France today. 3 gunmen carried out the attack the assailants shouted Islamist slogans before fleeing by car. Boka Haram coming to Zambia after 20th January. Intelligent people/politicians stay clear of muslims but ba Edgar lungu ati I need campaign money so Rupiah lets go to Nigeria and get money. ZAMBIANS LOOK AT WATS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE WORLD. Muslims do not mess about, they aim to kill. be ware of congregating over funerals church services na fimo fimo when LUNGU becomes president because those are the places where they like exploding their bombs. vote wisely please
@Edgar Lungu, His Excellency HH will not allow Boka Haram in the country like PF’s Edgar Lungu are trying to do.
“Dr. Scott said he is happy with the massive infrastructure investment undertaken by the PF administration on the 35 kilometre stretch road project”
35 Kilometer is massive infrastructure, really???????
This road has ten 2 decades.
If that 35km of a road is literally a bridge across a water logged sandy surface, then it qualifies to be massive investment. For your own information Mongu- Kalabo road is one of the most expensive road (if not the most expensive in terms of cost per kilometer) ever built in Zambia since independence. The reason is the nature of the terrain over which it is built. Previous governments attempted but failed because they preferred cheaper designs which could not withstand the nature of terrain during rainy season. PF should be commended for being radically uncompromising when it comes to infrastructural development for the benefit of all Zambians. No matter how much we may hate them, when compared to other previous governments, the truth is, they are well ahead previous administrations
Blago it’s not about the distance but the terrain which has pushed the cost so up high, remember that’s a wetland. Even where these guys were standing looking up gets flooded. Get that into your head meat head!
Haha ,barabara nzuri kwa ndugu zangu waLozi .Use that road to secede from dirty,failing and crazy Zambeziland.
Ba Mushota, let’s just support HH, the PF, aunt going anywhere, it has been all lies, what is that they are telling us, which they did not tell us 3years ago? Let’s try flight HH2015. Crooks for sure.
The only comments that should matter are from the grateful voters of mongu and kalabo….mwebashala nimwe bangwele
Nothing to celebrate about this. By the time the Euro Bond is paid back, this road will be reduced to gravel road like most roads in Zambia. I call this a quick fix; poor Zambians will still need to pay back this borrowed money.
Dr Scott, why did you wait till almost by-elections to visit this road construction? You kicked out people with real brains to develop the nation like Professor Chirwa. I saw the prototype of his plans to forever change the railway system in Zambia, but as usual, these useless guys came in and frustrated the guy.
Can you believe it that there are still no electric trains in Zaimbia in 2015!! These leaders should be ashamed of themselves for trying to show off on a semi-dusty road in 2015. If HH wins, he must bring back innovative people like Professor…
There are some shocking facts about this road as reported here:
1. First the road itself is damn expensive at US$286.9 million. A whopping $8.2 million per km, that is really expensive and I hope it is of high quality and high standard.
2. Now they have already over-spent… they say they have spent $160 m, which is 86% so far but only completed 70%. Who is going to foot the 16% extra?
3. Finally for those who don’t know this road has had many donors in the past but the MMD govt used to divert money. This is the road which is merely used for campaigns. I’m from Kalabo and I was a kid when I started hearing promises to build this road. Several years later, I’m a grown up man and the road still hasn’t been built. By the way it was the MMD who started the current project.