By Jane Chanda
Economist Kelvin Chisanga say Zambia’s economic aspirations can only be achieved through a robust transport sector, particularly a well-developed road infrastructure network.
“Zambia’s strategic location as a transit point for neighboring countries makes it imperative to invest in road infrastructure to facilitate trade and economic growth,” said Chisanga.
He noted that while the government has allocated K8 billion to road infrastructure development in this year’s budget, more needs to be done to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable road network that connects key economic routes.
Chisanga stressed that a proper road system is crucial for production, value addition, and trade, and that relying solely on road networks was not enough.
“We need to balance our approach by developing a robust railway system to reduce the burden on roads and ensure a smooth passage of goods,” he said.
He urged the government to revisit its priorities in the coming budget to ensure that road infrastructure development is given the attention it deserves, highlighting the need for a stable policy framework and investment in transport infrastructure to attract investment and boost economic growth.
“Investing in road infrastructure is not only crucial for economic growth but also for the country’s social development,” Chisanga said.
