By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia, 24 November 2025 – The Road Development Agency (RDA) has celebrated significant progress in Zambia’s road sector this year, reporting substantial milestones across major construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects nationwide.
Speaking at the end-of-year media briefing, Eng. Eugene Haazele, Chairman of the RDA Board, highlighted achievements that are improving connectivity, boosting trade, and supporting economic growth.
“2025 has been a year of tremendous progress and important milestones,” Eng. Haazele said.
“Our roads are not an end in themselves—they are enablers of commerce, social inclusion, and national transformation.”
According to Hazele, the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway, the agency’s flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, is 58.54% complete, with 236.15 km of asphalt laid on the 617.53 km main road.
"The Luanshya–Fisenge–Masangano section (45 km) is fully operational, facilitating smoother travel and freight transport between the two economic hubs," he explained.
On the Ndola–Sakania–Mufulira corridor, Hazele said 17.26 km of the Ndola–Sakania section is complete, including the Tom Mtine Toll Plaza, while the Sakania–Mufulira section is 16.7% complete, and the Sakania Border Post buildings are 25% complete, Eng. Haazele reported.
"The Kasomeno–Mwenda Road and Bridge Project, which includes a 345-meter cable-stayed bridge across the Luapula River and a One-Stop Border Post, has achieved 15.5% progress on road works and 6.3% on bridge construction," Haazele stated
He said early works on the Katete–Chanida Road are complete, including 5 km of sub-base and 3 km of asphalt surfacing, with shoulder reconstruction ongoing.
"The Lumwana–Kambimba Road upgrade has completed clearing and surveying, with early progress on roadbed preparation (25.9%) and road layout (28.2%), alongside bridge construction, Eng. Haazele said.
President Hakainde Hichilema launched two new PPP projects on 31 October 2025: the Mutanda–Kaoma Road via Kasempa (371 km) and the Solwezi–Kipushi Road and Kipushi Border Post (111 km). Early works are underway, including toll plazas and weighbridge construction, Eng. Haazele noted.
He was of the view that thw Government-funded projects have advanced steadily.
"The Monze–Niko Road (71 km) is 79% complete, with Bweengwa Bridge at 40%, employing 366 locals," he explained.
The Chipata–Chadiza Road (65 km) has achieved 26% progress, while the Blue Lagoon Road (98 km) stands at 32% completion, Eng. Haazele reported.
Other ongoing government projects include Samfya–Kasaba Road (80 km), Nchelenge–Chiengi Road (95 km), Chikankata Road, Batoka–Maamba Road (88 km) at 42% completion, Tateyoyo Gate–Lukulu/Katunda Junction Road (87.3 km) at 24%, Katunda–Lukulu–Watopa–Mumbezhi Road (80 km), Mazabuka Toll Plaza at 48%, and Mazabuka–Monze Road (62 km) at 70%, Eng. Haazele added.
RDA continues to partner with the Zambia Army and Zambia National Service on the Acrow bridge program, completing 19 of 131 targeted bridges, according to Eng. Haazele.
The Improved Rural Connectivity Project (IRCP) has achieved 56.7% overall progress, rehabilitating 2,356 km of feeder roads, which has improved access to markets, health services, and education, Eng. Haazele said.
“Through concession agreements covering corridors that feed mining, agriculture, and cross-border trade, we are aligning the road network with Zambia’s economic growth ambitions,” Eng. Haazele said.
He reaffirmed RDA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and performance while urging stakeholders to protect and maintain Zambia’s road network.
“2025 has been a year of solid progress for Zambia’s road sector. While much remains to be done, we are moving toward a modern, resilient, safe, and inclusive road network that supports the nation’s ambitions,” Eng. Haazele added.
He said several key roads across Zambia are set to open within the next week, easing congestion and improving connectivity, Eng. Haazele said on Monday during a briefing at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Hazele said the short route connecting critical urban areas is scheduled to open within seven days, provided three to four days of clearance are secured.
“If we secure three to four days of clearance, the route should be fully operational, and congestion in the area will be resolved,” he said.
He added that reconstruction works, including the new toll plaza, remain on schedule and will deliver “massive improvements” to road users.
Hazele highlighted the state of urban roads prior to improvements, noting that traffic continued despite poor conditions.
“Some of the roads were in very bad condition, and yet traffic continued to pass through. The improvements we are implementing represent a major upgrade for the people,” he said.
Construction has begun on the Darasi–Vendor Road, which includes a suspension bridge and other supporting infrastructure.
“The cumulative physical progress for this project currently stands at 16 percent,” Eng. Haazele said.
Updates were provided on the Chipata–Chadiza–Vubwi Corridor, which spans 55 km, including a 2 km diversion and 1.5 km within the Chalumbe border area.
“We have completed five kilometres of surfaced road, and our teams are working on drainage and embankments. Measures have been introduced to accelerate works so the project stays on schedule,” Eng. Haazele said.
Designs for the Mutanda–Kasempa Road in North-Western Province, covering 80 km of road including 20 km in critical sections, have been submitted, he added.
The Monze–Nega Nega Road in Southern Province, spanning 20 km, has reached 80 percent progress, including the construction of a bridge at Run Away.
“Several local subcontractors are engaged to ensure timely completion,” Eng. Haazele said.
Regarding the Japan Road Upgrade, he reported, “This 65-kilometre project, valued at K1.5 billion, has reached 26 percent progress. We have already tarred 15 to 20 kilometres and employed more than 300 local workers.”
He added that the Blue Lagoon Road, covering 98 km and valued at K1.1 billion, has achieved 32 percent progress, employing around 300 locals and 10 subcontractors.
“The recently commissioned Shikabeta Road, close to K1 billion, has been fully mobilized and work has commenced,” Eng. Haazele said.
Hazele also gave updates on the T1–Q1 Road Project, which has reached 42 percent progress in its early stages and employs nearly 100 local workers.
Rehabilitation of the Katunda–Lukulu–Watopa–Mongu Corridor, spanning 87.3 km in Western Province, is progressing with over 400 locals engaged since its September launch.
The Board Chairperson highlighted the government’s partnership with the Zambia National Service (ZNS) through the Rural Bridge Programme.
“So far, we have completed over 500 rural bridges, improving access to essential services in remote areas,” Eng. Haazele said.
He emphasized the importance of local participation in road projects.
“Involving local contractors is increasing across provinces. This creates jobs, builds capacity, and supports economic growth,” Eng. Haazele said.
Hazele concluded, “2025 has been a year of solid progress for the RDA. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and performance. Together, we must ensure that Zambia’s road network continues to support national development.”
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