The Zambian government has announced plans to construct a US$12.2mn ring road around the capital Lusaka, in order to improve access and traffic into and around the city’s southern economic zone
The project, part funded by the Japanese government, will run along the southern edge of the city, starting at Mumbwa road and passing through the districts of Kanyama, Chibolya, Misisi, Kamwala, Libala and Chilenje South before terminating in the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone (LS-MFEZ).
According to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency, the ring road will be approximately 23.5km in length and consist of a dual carriageway of semi-rigid pavement with a lime cement treated base.
The EIA states, “The government has approved and initiated the studies for the comprehensive urban development plan for the city of Lusaka, with the assistance and co-operation of the Japanese government in accordance with the agreement on technical co-operation between the Zambian and Japanese governments signed on June 27, 2006.”
The project will involve upgrading, reconstructing, and widening sections of certain existent roads, such as Kasama road, and adding new drainage systems.
The large scale of the construction will, however, require the involuntary resettlement of more than 270 structures in the first two phases of development, according to Zambia’s resettlement action plan.
Nawa Mutumweno
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