RDA has not funded Isoka-Muyombe road in six months

Muchinga Province Minister, Gerry Chanda, has questioned Road Development Agency (RDA) why it has delayed paying China Jangxi cooperation for over six months.

Col Chanda learnt of the delayed payment when he inspected the 90 km stretch Isoka- Muyombe road to day.

He said it was sad that the contractor had not been paid by RDA for over six months resulting in delays of finishing the project.

The minister lamented that six months is too much for the road project to move.

Col Chanda said the PF policy on development issues is to start and complete.

‘’RDC must explained why this let down on this project,’’ charged Col Chanda.

And China Jangxi Site Agent, Sichan Huang, told the minister that the project has faced so many challenges starting with designs which were redone and delayed the process and currently it was funds which are not available.

Mr Huang revealed that in November this year his company went ahead to get a loan from Chinese bank of US $10 million to see that the road project progresses after seeing delays in funding from the Zambian Government.

He said so far the 40 km stretch of the road has been upgraded to bituminous standard while 50km is being worked on.

Mr Huang explained that the redesigned road on the mountain cut is on schedule and his company is making frantic efforts to tar the area that has become suitable for heavy trucks to use.

The 90 km Isoka – Muyombe started in January, 2011 at an initial cost of 42 million USA Dollars but due to delays it is now pegged at 64 million USA Dollars.