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The Southern Africa Truck Drivers Association of Zambia (SATDAZ) has urged contractor Hydro Hydro Corporation Limited to immediately commence works on the rehabilitation and upgrading of a 212-kilometre road, saying delays have prolonged hardships faced by motorists and truck drivers.
SATDAZ Secretary-General, Kaiko Salim Wamunyima, said the road had been in poor condition for years, creating challenges for drivers, increasing travel times and affecting trade along the key transport corridor.
The association was speaking in a statement issued on Wednesday after government awarded a K4.9 billion contract for the rehabilitation and upgrade of the road.
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Wamunyima said the route was critical to Zambia’s transport and trade network, particularly for truck drivers transporting goods to and from Namibia.
“We call on Hydro Hydro Corporation Limited to move with speed so that our drivers can stop suffering delays on this important route. Completing the project on time will improve efficiency and reduce the cost of doing business,” he said.
He said the condition of the road had placed a burden on transport operators and motorists for several years, affecting the movement of goods and increasing operational costs.
Wamunyima commended government for responding to concerns raised by road users and awarding the rehabilitation project, which he described as an important step towards improving Zambia’s transport infrastructure.
“We wish to thank the UPND New Dawn Government for awarding a K4.9 billion contract for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the 212-kilometre road. This road has been in a bad state for a long time, causing suffering for drivers and affecting business,” he said.
He argued that reliable road infrastructure was essential for reducing transport costs, improving trade efficiency and supporting economic growth.
Wamunyima expressed hope that the project would be completed within the agreed timeframe and that similar rehabilitation works would be extended to other major trucking routes across the country.
“Good roads mean a growing economy. We hope the Government will do the same for other roads used by truckers across the country,” he said.
The rehabilitation project is expected to improve connectivity along the route and enhance the movement of commercial traffic, which plays a key role in regional trade.
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