PRISCILLA MWILA, Mongu
MINISTER of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi yesterday took to task Road Development Agency (RDA) officials on why the Mongu-Limulunga road, commonly known as ‘treason’, cost US$30 million.
And Mr Milupi said the National Construction Council will now start certifying various infrastructure projects, especially roads, to ensure they are built with the right quality. While in opposition, President Hakainde Hichilema’s convoy attempted to overtake then President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade on April 8, 2017 on the Mongu-Limulunga road. Mr Lungu was heading to the Litunga’s palace in Limulunga for the Kuomboka traditional ceremony of the Lozi. Mr Hichilema was later charged with treason. Speaking when he inspected works on the project, Mr Milupi wondered why it is quite expensive.
RDA Western Province regional manager Paul Habasimbi said the Mongu-Limulunga road is a design- and-build type of project where the contactor does all the work. Mr Habasimbi said building materials are also scarce because the place where the contractor gets them is 230 kilometres away from site. “The contractor has set up a crusher and asphalt plant where they have mobilsed all materials needed for the road to be completed. The distance covered to CLICK TO READ MORE