HH Orders Faster Maamba-Batoka Road Works скачать в хорошем качестве

HH Orders Faster Maamba-Batoka Road Works

By Masauso Mkwayaya President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has directed the Road Development Agency - RDA - to speed up construction works on the Maamba-Batoka Road in Southern Province. President HICHILEMA says the Maamba-Batoka Road is vital in facilitating the smooth movement of equipment and machinery for the expansion of Maamba Energy from 300 Mega Watts to 600 Mega Watts. Speaking during an inspection of the construction works, President HICHILEMA said the Maamba Expansion Project where Government holds shares is key to addressing the country's energy deficit. He has also directed the Provincial Administration to work with the RDA and Maamba Energy to ensure that critical points on the road, such as bridges, are worked on immediately to allow the movement of equipment. President HICHILEMA further instructed the RDA to work around the clock. He said the contractor must install floodlights to provide sufficient lighting for workers at night. President HICHILEMA said the road, which was last worked on more than 50 years ago, will also ease the transportation of agricultural produce for local residents. The President, who drove on the road from Batoka Junction to Mbole Primary School, added that the tarring of the road will help attract more investment in mining, agriculture, and other sectors. He also urged the contractor and Maamba Energy to prioritise employing local people. Meanwhile, Maamba Energy General Manager KENEILWE ORAPELENG said the company has faced challenges in moving heavy equipment on the road, especially across Bailey bridges. She thanked President HICHILEMA for his intervention, which will allow the equipment to start moving as soon as possible. RDA - Southern Province Engineer NAMALALA CHILALA said Maamba Energy and the transporter have already been engaged to assess which sections of the road need immediate attention to enable the movement of machinery. Mr. CHILALA said the contractor, China Geo Engineering Corporation, in a joint venture with local contractor Chipangano Builders, has so far completed 30 percent of the project. Information and Media Minister, CORNELIUS MWEETWA, who is also Choma Central Member of Parliament, thanked President HICHILEMA for reviving the road, which was last worked on in 1967. Mr. MWEETWA said the road will promote increased economic activities in agriculture, fishing, and mining. Southern Province Minister CREDO NANJUWA pledged to work with all parties to ensure the road works are completed on time.