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Government has reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure development as a driver of inclusive growth following the official handover of the Kasisi–Kasenga Bridge in Chongwe District.
The bridge was built by Fika Zambia in partnership with the National Council for Construction (NCC), Government and the local community—marking a major step in improving rural connectivity.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Thursday, Chongwe Member of Parliament, Sylvia Masebo, said the project reflects Government’s focus on decentralisation and empowering communities through the Enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Masebo said the bridge would significantly improve access to education, agriculture and business opportunities for residents of Kasisi and Kasenga, who for years faced challenges crossing the river.
“Government continues to prioritise infrastructure development as a key driver of inclusive growth, with a clear focus on decentralisation and empowering local authorities and local people through the Enhanced Constituency Development Fund, which is bringing development closer to our people in every part of the country,” she said.
She noted that the lack of a reliable crossing had resulted in children missing school, farmers struggling to transport produce and limited economic activity.
“We heard testimonies of children missing classes, starting lessons late and sometimes missing an entire term because of challenges crossing the river. Farmers were unable to transport their produce despite agriculture being the main economic activity in this area,” Masebo said.
Read more: Govt reaffirms commitment to strengthening partnerships for community development
She added that the project had also delivered electricity to the community, enabling businesses to operate longer hours.
“This project has not only brought a bridge but also electricity. Previously, people relied on candles, but now businesses can operate at night. With Government’s push for a 24-hour economy, we expect improved incomes for our people,” she said.
FIKA Zambia Interim Country Director, Praise Phiri, said the organisation was honoured to contribute to efforts aimed at ending climate isolation and strengthening community resilience.
“As FIKA Zambia, we are deeply honoured to be part of this journey to end climate isolation and build resilience,” Phiri said.
He said the new bridge would help keep children in school, protect farmer incomes and improve safety.
“This bridge will keep children in school, ensure farmer incomes are protected and save lives. The same potential exists for the 7.5 million isolated Zambians nationwide,” he said.
Phiri called for scaling up similar infrastructure, emphasising the importance of partnerships between Government, communities and stakeholders.
He said the Kasisi–Kasenga Bridge was only the beginning, with preparations already underway for another bridge in Njolwe as part of a long-term partnership with the district.
Meanwhile, NCC Executive Director, Paul Makasa, said the project represents a shift towards sustainable rural infrastructure anchored on local capacity.
He said the NCC’s partnership with FIKA Zambia had evolved into an institutional relationship supporting both infrastructure delivery and capacity-building.
“Through this work, we have not only supported the delivery of infrastructure but also contributed to building the systems that make such infrastructure possible, safe and sustainable,” Makasa said.
He added that the initiative had strengthened local contractor training, led to the development of a trail bridge construction curriculum and embedded new technical knowledge within NCC systems.
“These efforts are now embedded within the NCC frameworks, ensuring that the knowledge and skills required to deliver such infrastructure remain within the country,” he said.
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