Livingstone roads upgrading appreciated with reservations

—Livingstone residents have welcomed the upgrading of major roads in the city with reservations.

A snap survey by ZANIS in various residents of the Tourist capital revealed appreciation of residents who have since commended government’s move to improve the road infrastructure in the city while, at the same time not happy with the quality of works exibited.

Gideon Musonda is among many Livngstone residents who are recommending government for the paving of 20 selected roads in the city.

Mr Musonda noted that the city of Livingstone will never be the same again, adding that it is not only Livingstone residents who will benefit from the roads face lift but the country as a whole because the tourist capital contributes a lot to the development of Zambia.

Mr Musonda is however, not satisfied with the quality of works being done, saying it is not up to standard as the layer being applied is thin and fears the life span of some roads may be very short as the roads will be easily eroded. 

Mr Musonda has since requested government to look into the matter urgently

And another Livingstone resident Doreen Mawere expressed sadness that the roads being focused on are roads in town and not in township areas such Libuyu where she resides.

Ms Mawere said that people in other areas feel left out and that government should consider up grading roads in other townships to better the living standards of people.

She noted that though it is good to see the works being done on major roads, she is not satisfied with the quality of works being done on them.

“The roads being constructed are already showing signs of damage meaning the quality are not very good and that it must be worked on,” she said.

And in another interview with another Livingstone resident Stephen Chibbwa noted that resources are going into cosmetic works because there is very little to be desired.

Mr Chibbwa said people doing the works should not just be doing so to show people coming for the UNWTO that Zambia is developing but should be doing quality works that will last long.

He noted that in the rain season the roads being worked on will be washed away.

Mr Chibbwa has also urged government to consider working on roads where there is a large population.

Government launched the Link-Zambia 8,000 project which will be done in three phases over a period of five (5) years.

The project will include construction of roads such as the Lusaka-Leopards Hill through Chiawa and Chirundu which will go over Chongwe River and connect to Feira through Luangwa Bridge.

The construction of the Solwezi-Chingola dual carriage, Chingola/Kitwe, Lusaka/Kapiri Mposhi and also upgrading of the 74 kilometre Monze-Niko road to bitumous standard and upgrading of Livingstone roads as well as the construction of the Kazungula road.

In Western province, Kaoma to Lukulu to Zambezi and Sesheke-Kalabo-Shangombo among others in all the 10 provinces of Zambia.