Road Development Agency (RDA) says it has awarded contracts worth over K18 million to 12 local sub-contractors to undertake works along the Katoba to Chirundu via Chiawa road in Lusaka Province.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Agency Director Communications and Corporate Affairs Masuzyo Ndhlovu disclosed that a total of 29 sub-contractors have been nominated by the Agency to work on the Katoba to Chirundu via Chiawa road, adding that the first batch involve 12 sub-contractors.

Mr. Ndhlovu stated that the Agency signed a contract with China-Geo Engineering Corporation for the spot improvement of approximately 100 km of the Katoba to Chirundu via Chiawa road which will serve as an alternative route from Lusaka and is expected to spur local development in the area.

 “The road will serve as an alternative route from Lusaka and is expected to spur local development in the area. This project is under the supervision of Messrs Iliso Consulting,” Mr. Ndhlovu stated.

And Mr. Ndhlovu revealed that RDA has so far registered over 1, 942 sub-contractors who will be engaged in road construction activities.

He said 778 have already been engaged under various road projects such as the Link Zambia 8000, L400, Zambia Township Roads on the Copperbelt and other construction, rehabilitation and maintenance projects.

Meanwhile, RDA Senior Manager Local Contractors Development Engineer Samuel Twasa said it is the Agency’s desire to ensure that local contractors attain financial independence and be able to take up bigger jobs in road construction.

He urged the sub-contractors to pay attention to detail on site so that they undertake quality works.

“We will be carrying out random site visits to monitor activities and ensure there is compliance,” Engineer Twasa said.

Since the introduction of the 20 percent sub-contracting policy in 2012, RDA developed modalities and guidelines which were reviewed in 2015 for the implementation of the policy.