Republic of Zambia Speech by His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu President of the Republic of Zambia on the occasion of commissioning of the Makeni Flyover Bridge under the Lusaka City Decongestion Road Project held on Monday 3rd August, 2020 State House Lusaka

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Republic of Zambia Speech by His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu President of the Republic of Zambia on the occasion of commissioning of the Makeni Flyover Bridge under the Lusaka City Decongestion Road Project held on Monday 3rd August, 2020 State House Lusaka

• Minister of Local Government Hon. Dr. Charles Banda, MP;
• The Patriotic Front Secretary General, Mr. Davis Mwila;
• The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure; Hon. Vincent Mwale;
• All Honorable Ministers present;
• All Hon. Members of Parliament
• His Excellency, India’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Mr. Ngulkham Jathom Gangte;
• Permanent Secretaries and Other Senior Government

Officials present;

• Representatives from AFCONS Infrastructure Limited;
• The Chief Executive Officers present;
• Distinguished Invited Guests;
• Members of the Press;
• Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am delighted to officiate the commissioning of The Longest Fly-Over Bridge in Lusaka.  This Fly Over Bridge, Here at Makeni, is part of The Greater Lusaka City Roads Decongestion Project.

It is Gratifying to note that, exactly two years, from the time this project was launched, it is now at seventy percent (70%) completion and I have been reliably informed that the decongestion project is expected to be completed by December, 2020.

I wish to commend the project team from the Ministry of Local Government, the contractor and the consultant for the job well done.  This is indeed a commendable job.

I, however, wish to implore you to move even quicker to complete the construction works so that the people of Zambia can begin to enjoy the benefits of this huge investment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Zambia and India have enjoyed a long history of bilateral relations which have resulted in cooperation in various sectors.   The Lusaka City Decongestion Project is just one example of such cordial relations that have existed between the two countries over the years.

On behalf of the Zambian Government, the people of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, let me express my deep gratitude to the Indian Government and the people of India for the continued support and partnership.

I further extend my gratitude to the contractor, AFCONS Infrastructure Limited for the good works executed thus far.  I wish to assure you that such support will not go unnoticed.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My Government has worked to improve the livelihood of all Zambians regardless of ethnicity, gender or political orientation.  We have embarked on several projects aimed at transforming the face of Zambia in all parts of the country.

The Lusaka City Decongestion Project is just one of the many projects that Government is undertaking to ease the movement of people, goods and services within the City of Lusaka and across the country.

The bridge we are commissioning today will promote efficient and safe movements along Kafue road.  By reducing the traffic congestion along this road, we will be saving on time spent on the road resulting in increased productivity.  With increased productivity comes

Improvement in people’s livelihood.  This is consistent with my government’s desire of increasing productivity which will positively impact the economy.

I wish to remind the project team that even as we talk about

The positive impact of the project, we must remain cognisant of the need to continuously safeguard the lives of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.  I am glad to note that all safety measures have been taken into consideration in this project.  Saving lives and prevention of accidents is essential not only for economic purposes, but because we treasure the lives of our people.

The Patriotic Front Government will, therefore, continue to   provide Infrastructure that safeguards human life.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Infrastructure development is a critical catalyst to enhanced economic growth, and therefore, my

Government will continue to invest in infrastructure such

As roads, schools, hospitals and many other such infrastructure.  I have heard some sections of our people

Arguing that they cannot eat roads and as such,

Government should not invest so much in infrastructure.

To the contrary, provision of essential infrastructure is key to unlocking the economic potential of our country resulting in many benefits for our people.  As such, my government will not be detracted from doing what is necessary.  We will not relent from providing the necessary infrastructure.

Apart from infrastructure development, my government is determined to create various jobs especially for the growing youth population.  I have been informed, that through this project, over one thousand direct jobs have been created for our men and women.

Additionally, several other indirect jobs have also been created through various other ancillary businesses resulting from this project.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The relevance of any infrastructure is dependent on the design and, therefore, it is necessary to ensure that any infrastructure put up, incorporates appropriate designs that assure value for money.

I am delighted to note that the infrastructure I am commissioning today is as a result of rigorous engineering processes and has undergone tests making it ready for use by the public.  This is the type of engineering we need in this country.

My government will continue to support forward-looking engineering professionals who remain resolute to supporting government’s efforts in good infrastructure provision.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Apart from the benefits of the road and reduced traffic congestion, I am reliably informed that the consulting engineers for this project are from a local company, which shows that our engineering profession is growing, and we can rely on local expertise.

The skills and knowledge generated through such projects will go a long way in improving our infrastructure using local resources.  I am also aware that sixty-one (61) local contractors have been engaged on this project.

These local contractors are not only performing works, but they are also enhancing their technical and commercial skills required for infrastructure development and management.

Building the capacity of local contractors to undertake such projects is essential for lowering the cost of providing future infrastructure.  This infrastructure will require maintenance and it is these local contractors whose capacity has been built, that will undertake the necessary maintenance.

Ladies and gentlemen,

May I take this opportunity to thank the people of Zambia for

The patience exhibited and the compliance during the ongoing construction works under this project and many other such projects.  I am aware that many of you must have been inconvenienced in one way or the other due to the activities on the project, leading to some disruption of operations for certain businesses, limiting access to property, and in extreme cases, may have resulted in the closure and restrictions of roads, leading to traffic congestion.

These inconveniences are necessary to allow the project team to diligently and expeditiously execute their duties to ensure successful delivery of the project.  We shall soon be enjoying the fruits of the patience and tolerance we have exhibited.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today we are commissioning the completion of Makeni Flyover, which is part of the four (4) flyover bridges to be constructed under this project.  the benefits of the Makeni flyover bridge will be immediate, because the travel time between Kafue roundabout and Chilanga will be reduced to nearly half, as the freeway will not be burdened by turning or joining vehicles at the Chawama-Makeni Junction.

I now take this opportunity to commission this flyover bridge and officially open it for use by the public.

God bless you all.

I thank you. www