Road Development Agency

MPONGWE-MACHIYA ROAD SET TO TRANSFORM LIVES AND UNLOCK ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF COPPERBELT AND CENTRAL PROVINCES – HON. ENG. MILUPI

Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hon. Eng. Charles Lubasi Milupi says the construction of the Luansobe-Machiya Road and Mpongwe-Machiya-Ngabwe Road will transform lives and unlock economic potential of Copperbelt and Central Provinces.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Luansobe-Machiya Road and Mpongwe-Machiya-Ngabwe Road in Mpongwe District on Monday afternoon, Hon. Eng. Milupi said Mpongwe, Machiya and Ngabwe were areas with vast agricultural potential.

“It gives me great pleasure to be here today in Mpongwe District to fulfil yet another important national assignment following the signing of the concession agreement on November 28, 2025 for the construction of the Luansobe–Machiya Road, the Mpongwe–Machiya–Ngabwe Road, and the 20 kilometres of urban roads in Mpongwe and Ngabwe districts,” Hon. Eng. Milupi said.

“This project is not merely about constructing roads and bridges; it is about transforming lives and unlocking the enormous economic potential of the two provinces, namely Copperbelt and Central. Improved road infrastructure will significantly reduce transportation costs for farmers and businesses, improve access to markets, and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce to major commercial centres and export routes,” he added.

The Minister said the project marked another milestone in government’s commitment to improving connectivity, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for the people.

The project is estimated at a cost of approximately US$ 383.4 million under a 25-year concession arrangement, which includes three years for construction and twenty-two years for operation and maintenance.

During the maintenance period, at least three periodic maintenance interventions will be undertaken to ensure that the road infrastructure remains in good condition throughout the concession period.

Government has reserved an estimated minimum sum of US$23.6 million for local subcontractors.

This is a deliberate effort to empower local contractors, create business opportunities for Zambians, and ensure that the people directly benefit from national development projects.

“I therefore, wish to take this opportunity to implore local contractors that will be subcontracted on this project to produce good quality works. Once a local contractor produces good quality works, it means that they have marketed their company and are likely to get positive consideration on projects to be implemented in future,” Hon. Eng. Milupi said.

The project includes: the rehabilitation of 59.6 kilometres of the Luansobe to Mpongwe Road, including the dualisation of the first 5 kilometres from Luansobe junction; the construction of 132 kilometres of the Mpongwe–Machiya–Ngabwe Road and the construction of 20 kilometres of urban roads in Mpongwe and Ngabwe Districts.

The project also includes the construction of four strategic bridges, namely: a 120-metre bridge over the Kafue River; an 80-metre bridge over the Luswishi River; another 40-metre bridge over the Luswishi River; and another 120-metre bridge over the Kafue River at Ngabwe; the construction of two six-lane toll plazas; the installation of two large type-2 weigh-in-motion weighbridges; and the installation of smart optic fibre ducts and a modern control room to support intelligent transport systems and digital connectivity.

Hon. Eng. Milupi said Mpongwe was also endowed with mineral deposits including copper, gold, zinc and platinum.

The Minister said the road will stimulate investment in mining by facilitating the movement of exploration and mining equipment to potential mines and ultimately the movement of minerals to major commercial centres and export routes.

Hon. Eng. Milupi said the project will also stimulate investment in agriculture, mining, tourism, and commerce by improving accessibility and reducing travel time.

He said communities that were previously difficult to reach will now have better access to schools, health facilities, markets, and other essential public services.

The construction phase is expected to create 500 direct jobs while more jobs will be created during the operation and maintenance phase.

“Allow me to urge the concessionaire and all stakeholders involved in this project to work diligently and professionally to ensure timely completion of the works. I also encourage our communities in the project area to support and protect this infrastructure because it belongs to all of us and is meant to benefit both present and future generations.”

Copperbelt Minister, Hon. Elisha Matambo said the construction of the Machiya Road will bring immense economic and social benefits to Mpongwe District and beyond.

“As Government, we are fully aware that Mpongwe is largely a rural district whose economy depends heavily on agriculture. That is why, in addition to this major road project, Government has deliberately set aside resources under the Constituency Development Fund for the rehabilitation of feeder roads across the district,” Hon. Matambo said.

Meanwhile, KPMM Zambia Limited Managing Director Kelvin Twiddy said the Mpongwe-Machiya Road was more than just asphalt, it was a lifeline.

“We are not just here to turn soil, we are here to plant the seeds of a 25-year partnership that will redefine the connectivity of the Copperbelt and Central Provinces. On behalf of the KPMM Zambia Board and our engineering team, I want to express our deepest gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for the trust placed in us to deliver the Luansobe-Mpongwe-Machiya-Ngabwe Road Project,” said Mr. Twiddy.

And Chief Machiya of the Lamba speaking people in Mpongwe District thanked the Government for embarking on a road project that was expected to spur economic development.