Hichilema flags off construction of Kasomeno-Mwenda road, shortest route to sea from DRC through Zambia

President Hakainde Hichilema has flagged off the construction of the Kasomeno-Mwenda road project with a call on the contractor, GED Africa to utilize local materials.

The Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe-Kabila-Mwenda Road construction would cost K600 million and also involves the construction of a One Stop Border Post and a bridge on the Luapula River.

Hichilema said this during the inauguration ceremony of the project in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday attended by that country’s Head of State, Félix Tshisekedi.

He called on GED Africa to prioritise the employment of local people, especially the youth and women from both countries.

“Zambia and the DRC share robust bilateral relations, and this project exemplifies our commitment to strengthening the ties between our two nations and peoples,” Hichilema said.

A post on the Head of State’s official social media platform, said that in the pursuit of delivering infrastructure projects, Zambia was dedicated to leveraging Public Private Partnerships (PPP).

He said that this approach not only alleviates fiscal pressure but also encourages active participation from the private sector in economic development.

“This project’s significance extends beyond regional integration; it will bolster connectivity, improve accessibility, reduce transport costs, and contribute to poverty alleviation by generating jobs and fostering wealth creation,” Hichilema said.

He said land-locked Zambia’s access to regional and international markets presents a vital opportunity for diversification and growth.

Hichilema said the tripartite region boasts immense market potential and GDP growth, which Zambia aims to harness.

He added that government remained committed to developing transport corridors as it boosts trade between land-locked Zambia and the region.

Hichilema said this PPP project would be the shortest route connecting the DRC to Africa’s east coast, through Zambia’s Nakonde border and Tanzania.

“Bringing development to neglected parts of our country, dovetails naturally with our flagship devolution policy and secures our people’s livelihoods,” he said.

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