By Jane Chanda
Ministry of Finance and National Planning minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane has announced that the Zambian government has signed a $56.7 million concession agreement with Jasworld Ports Limited to upgrade the Mufulira-Mokambo Road and modernise the Mokambo border facility.
In a statement yesterday, Dr Musokotwane announced that after more than 40 years of neglect, his government had finally addressed the deplorable state of the Mokambo Road.
“This is a historic moment for Zambia, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to improve the country’s infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), which will drive skilled technical roles and economic growth,” Dr Musokotwane stated.
He stated that the total cost was broken down into $18.6 million for upgrading the 15.5-kilometer road to bituminous standards, $1.9 million for preparatory works, $14.7 million for border facility upgrades, and $1.5 million for constructing a toll plaza.
The minister also noted that the project would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
According to the statement, Dr Musokotwane signed a separate $110 million concession agreement with ZMart Group of Companies to construct a One-Stop Border Post at Kasumbalesa.
“The Kasumbalesa project will significantly improve trade facilitation and reduce transit times, making Zambia a more attractive destination for investors,” Dr Musokotwane stated.
Jasworld Ports Limited chairman, Soon Chinyuny, also outlined the project’s scope.
“We will upgrade the road, expand and modernise the Mokambo border post, and construct an office park,” Chinyuny stated. “We will ensure the project is expeditiously executed and that locals are engaged during the project cycle.”
The ceremony was attended by Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga, Kantanshi member of parliament Anthony Mumba, his Kankoyo and Mufulira counterparts Heartson Mabeta and Golden Mwila, among others.
