Transportation of Copper and cobalt mines from neighbouring DRC upto far away Tanzania’s coast is scheduled to become very easy following a joint highway project launched Monday by the two countries.
According to reliable information, DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema broke ground on Monday at the site where a key part of the route — a 345 meter (1,130 feet) bridge over the Luapula river that separates their countries — will be erected.
An estimated cost of over U$850 Million will be spent to construct the paved Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe-Kabila-Mwenda Road.
The project also includes the construction of the Luapula River Bridge.
This project, which links the DRC to Africa’s east coast through Zambia’s Nakonde border and Tanzania, is poised to become the shortest route connecting the DRC to the Indian Ocean, opening up vast trade opportunities.
It is expected that more than 400 trucks will utilize the Luapula River Bridge, providing a crucial trade link between Luapula province in Zambia and Lubumbashi in the DRC.
In addition to facilitating trade and economic growth, the Kasomeno-Mwenda Road and Bridge Project holds the promise of job creation and infrastructure development.
The local communities, particularly in Mwense, are set to benefit from increased economic activity in the region, as well as job opportunities during the construction phase.
The collaborative effort behind this project involves Zambia, the DRC, and Hungary’s GED Africa.
The inauguration of the Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe-Kabila-Mwenda Road and Luapula River Bridge marks a significant milestone in enhancing regional integration, connectivity, and economic development.
It is anticipated that this infrastructure project will bring about lasting positive changes in the lives of the people in Zambia and the DRC, fostering wealth creation, reducing transport costs, and contributing to poverty alleviation.
