STRONG and well-designed road infrastructure is essential for a country because it drives economic growth, ensures social inclusion, enhances safety, and supports sustainable development.
Roads are the backbone of commerce, enabling the movement of goods, services and people.
Efficient networks reduce transport costs, improve logistics and attract investment.
Farmers and industries rely on roads to access markets, boosting productivity and national GDP. Additionally, roads connect communities to schools, hospitals, and jobs.
Well-designed networks reduce travel time and improve access to essential services.
Rural roads are especially critical for reducing inequality by linking remote areas to urban centres.
Properly engineered roads with drainage, signage and quality materials reduce accidents.
Strong infrastructure withstands heavy traffic and extreme weather, preventing collapses and saving lives.
Unfortunately, Zambia’s road infrastructure collapses every rainy season mainly due to poor drainage systems, weak subgrade soils, inadequate geological assessments, climate change impacts, and substandard construction practices.
Many roads lack proper culverts, side drains, and stormwater channels. Heavy rainfall leads to waterlogging, weakening the road base and causing erosion.
Roads are often built without thorough geological surveys. Ignoring soil and rock conditions results in roads that cannot withstand seasonal floods.
It is no wonder Institute of Earth Science director Francis Tembo has urged the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) and National Council for Construction (NCC) to embrace effective geological assessment before undertaking construction of road infrastructure.
Geological assessments before road construction are crucial because they ensure safer, more durable and climate-resilient infrastructure in Zambia.
Without proper geological studies, roads risk premature failure, higher maintenance costs, and vulnerability to climate impacts.
Roads are built on varying soil and rock types. Geological surveys identify weak zones such as clay soils and fault lines that could cause subsidence or cracks if ignored.
Assessments also determine if local materials (aggregates, gravels, sands) are strong enough for road construction, reducing reliance on costly imports.
Zambia faces heavy seasonal rains. Geological studies guide engineers on slope stability, drainage design, and erosion prevention.
With climate change increasing flood risks, assessments help design roads that withstand extreme weather.
EIZ and NCC regulate engineering and construction standards. Professor Tembo’s appeal emphasises integrating geology into their frameworks.
Zambia’s road sector is under pressure to adopt climate-resilient practices.
Geological assessments directly support this national priority.
Similarly, Prof Tembo highlights the need for engineers and geologists to work together, ensuring that designs are not only technically sound but also environmentally sustainable.
Many Zambian roads deteriorate quickly due to poor subgrade conditions.
His call aims to reduce such failures by mandating geological input at the planning stage.
Therefore, Prof Tembo’s urging is a wake-up call for Zambia’s engineering and construction bodies.
By embedding geological valuations into road projects, Zambia can build infrastructure that is safer, more durable, and resilient against climate change.
Geological surveys before road construction vital
STRONG and well-designed road infrastructure is essential for a country because it drives economic growth, ensures social inclusion, enhances safety, and supports sustainable development.
Roads are the backbone of commerce, enabling the movement of goods, services and people.
Efficient networks reduce transport costs, improve logistics and attract investment.
Farmers and industries rely on roads to access markets, boosting productivity and national GDP. Additionally, roads connect communities to schools, hospitals, and jobs.
Well-designed networks reduce travel time and improve access to essential services.
Rural roads are especially critical for reducing inequality by linking remote areas to urban centres.
Properly engineered roads with drainage, signage and quality materials reduce accidents.
Strong infrastructure withstands heavy traffic and extreme weather, preventing collapses and saving lives.
Unfortunately, Zambia’s road infrastructure collapses every rainy season mainly due to poor drainage systems, weak subgrade soils, inadequate geological assessments, climate change impacts, and substandard construction practices.
Many roads lack proper culverts, side drains, and stormwater channels. Heavy rainfall leads to waterlogging, weakening the road base and causing erosion.
Roads are often built without thorough geological surveys. Ignoring soil and rock conditions results in roads that cannot withstand seasonal floods.
It is no wonder Institute of Earth Science director Francis Tembo has urged the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) and National Council for Construction (NCC) to embrace effective geological assessment before undertaking construction of road infrastructure.
Geological assessments before road construction are crucial because they ensure safer, more durable and climate-resilient infrastructure in Zambia.
Without proper geological studies, roads risk premature failure, higher maintenance costs, and vulnerability to climate impacts.
Roads are built on varying soil and rock types. Geological surveys identify weak zones such as clay soils and fault lines that could cause subsidence or cracks if ignored.
Assessments also determine if local materials (aggregates, gravels, sands) are strong enough for road construction, reducing reliance on costly imports.
Zambia faces heavy seasonal rains. Geological studies guide engineers on slope stability, drainage design, and erosion prevention.
With climate change increasing flood risks, assessments help design roads that withstand extreme weather.
EIZ and NCC regulate engineering and construction standards. Professor Tembo’s appeal emphasises integrating geology into their frameworks.
Zambia’s road sector is under pressure to adopt climate-resilient practices.
Geological assessments directly support this national priority.
Similarly, Prof Tembo highlights the need for engineers and geologists to work together, ensuring that designs are not only technically sound but also environmentally sustainable.
Many Zambian roads deteriorate quickly due to poor subgrade conditions.
His call aims to reduce such failures by mandating geological input at the planning stage.
Therefore, Prof Tembo’s urging is a wake-up call for Zambia’s engineering and construction bodies.
By embedding geological valuations into road projects, Zambia can build infrastructure that is safer, more durable, and resilient against climate change.