ZAMBIA – Appalling road conditions and terrible traffic in Zambia’s capital Lusaka have plagued drivers for years, so a deal was made by the Road Development Agency (RDA) and AVIC International of China to build 400 kilometres of new roads. The overhaul of the roads promises a great improvement to traffic flow and better road drainage, not to mention making the daily commute for motorists, a less stressful one.

The project is expected to take around four years and will cost in the region of $336 million. It is hoped that the work will be completed by 2015 and construction will be started as soon as the project details are finalised which should be within the next few months.

The project plans state that 400 kilometres of existing roads will be overhauled, including 36 kilometres of existing roads which are to be made bigger, and 336 kilometres of pavements added to existing roads.  The city will gain 10 intersections, one inter-change bridge, 19 bus bays, new road drainage systems and new road lighting spanning 150 kilometres, along with the appropriate traffic control and road safety markings and trappings.

Speaking after the deal signing ceremony in Lusaka on Monday, Lusaka Mayor Daniel Chisenga voiced his excitement over the coming overhaul: “I am glad that today we are embarking on a programme that will transform the road network in our city. This development is delighting because the rehabilitation of these roads will not only ease our movements but also enhance safety and reduce congestion on our major roads.”