Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway Project Advances
The National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) and the Road Development Agency (RDA) have announced significant progress on the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project.
The handover of three toll gates to the Macro Ocean Investment Consortium (MOIC) is scheduled for November 30, 2024, as part of a broader agreement to upgrade the road to a dual carriageway.
The toll gates to be transferred are located at Katuba (between Lusaka and Kabwe), Manyumbi (between Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi), and Kafulafuta (between Kapiri Mposhi and Ndola).
Despite the transition, NRFA Public Relations Manager Alphonsius Hamachila assured that tolling operations will continue without disruption, with features like the electronic card payment system remaining functional.
Toll fees collected at the three gates will be deposited into an ESCROW account jointly managed by the government and the concessionaire, ensuring maintenance of the existing road until MOIC fully assumes responsibility for the operation and upkeep of the new dual carriageway.
In line with the government’s policy on economic transformation and job creation, measures have been taken to protect the jobs of the 127 staff members affected by the toll gate transition.
Employees can either continue working with the NRFA at other toll stations or transition to employment under the concessionaire. Those choosing to leave the NRFA will receive terminal benefits in accordance with relevant laws and contracts.
RDA Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager Anthony Mulowa highlighted that the concession agreement, signed on February 28, 2023, has a total project cost of $649.98 million.
Construction is underway on four sections: Lusaka to Chibombo, Chibombo to Kapiri Mposhi, Kapiri Mposhi to Ndola, and the Masangano-Fisenge-Luanshya Road.
Additionally, the project includes the construction of two new toll plazas—one on the Masangano-Fisenge-Luanshya Road and another between Chibombo and Kabwe.
A new weighbridge will be constructed at Kafulafuta, and upgrades will be made to the existing facility at Kapiri Mposhi.
Since the groundbreaking ceremony officiated by President Hakainde Hichilema on May 21, 2024, the project has made substantial progress, with 13% completion reported on the Lusaka-Ndola section and 70% completion on the Masangano-Fisenge-Luanshya Road.
Both agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to consulting all stakeholders throughout the transition process, ensuring the successful implementation of the PPP financing model.
This model aims to maximize public resources for other national priorities while developing crucial road infrastructure.
For further updates on the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway PPP project, motorists and stakeholders are encouraged to follow official NRFA and RDA communication channels.
