K1.9bn Nchelenge-Chienge road hits 11% progress

The Road Development Agency (RDA) has officially disclosed that physical construction works on the critical Nchelenge-Chienge Road in Luapula Province have reached 11 percent completion. The major infrastructure undertaking, valued at K1.9 billion, represents a fully government-funded effort channeled through the treasury to address decades of transport bottlenecks in the northern part of the country. Spanning approximately 95 kilometres, the project seeks to transform the traditional gravel route into a durable bituminous standard, easing the heavy transit burdens historically borne by residents, fish traders, and farmers in Nchelenge and Chienge districts. Speaking during a project inspection tour, RDA Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager Anthony Mulowa noted that while preliminary works and mobilization commenced following the contract award, progress was temporarily slowed by the heavy downpours characteristic of the regional rainy season. Despite these seasonal setbacks, contractors have ramped up operations now that drier weather conditions prevail. Executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the undertaking involves comprehensive structural enhancements, including upgraded pavement layers, drainage networks, and vital bridge works designed to withstand severe weather fluctuations. Local communities and economic stakeholders have long decried the deplorable state of the route, which historically turned into a quagmire during the rains, cutting off vital commercial links to provincial hubs and neighboring markets. Luapula Province, despite its rich potential in fisheries and agriculture, has suffered from historical infrastructure deficits that isolated rural populations. The ongoing upgrade is expected to drastically slash travel times, reduce vehicular maintenance costs for public transporters, and stimulate local commerce by ensuring all-weather accessibility. The project also aligns with broader national aspira