180 locals employed for Chikankata- Mazabuka road works

SIMON MUNTEMBA writes ONE-HUNDRED EIGHTY Zambians from within MazabukaDistrict have so far been employed by China State Construction Engineering Limited, working on a 33.5 kilometers stretch from Chikankata Turnoff-Mazabuka Road. And Road Development Agency (RDA) has expressed happiness with the progress and the workmanship of the two contractors working on the 72km Turnpike –Mazabuka Road. The 72km stretch has been divided into two lots with lot one from Turnpike to Chikankata which is 38.5 km being done by China Henan International Cooperation Group Limited while lot two from Chikankata to Mazabuka which is 33.5km is being done by China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd. In an interview, China State Construction Engineering site supervisor, Wang Shuang told the Daily Nation that 180 locals from within Mazabuka have been employed. He also pledged to respect labour laws and that the company’s labour force consists of over 80 percent locals. “We have employed 180 Zambians from Mazabuka on this 33.5 kilometers Chikankata Turnoff-Mazabuka Road project. As China State Construction Engineering Limited, we will always respect labour laws,” he said. Mr Shuang further said the company was committed to complete the project within the set time frame. And speaking after touring the sites to inspect the quality of works being done, RDA director of communications and corporate affairs, Masuzyo Ndhlovu expressed happiness with the progress and the workmanship of the two contractors. Mr Ndhlovu said the rehabilitation works on the 72km Turnpike –Mazabuka Road had reached 61 percent progress and expressed optimism that the two contractors would beat the deadline of the handover of the projects. He said the agency was determined to have the Road rehabilitated to ease the flow of traffic and enhance economic activities in the region and surrounding countries, in line with its vision of achieving a sustainable fit for purpose road infrastructure in Zambia.  “The Kafue to Mazabuka section is one critical link on the North – South Corridor whose rehabilitation will easy accessibility and transportation of goods and commodities,” he said.  Mr Ndhlovu explained that the scope of works includes but not limited to rehabilitation and widening of an existing bituminous surfaced road with only minor modifications of the alignment geometry, site clearing and grubbing. He said the contractors will also extend existing and construct new drainage structures, bridge repairs, associated erosion and scour protection works. The Sun