President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the contractor working on the Lusaka to Ndola Dual Carriageway project in Kabwe to accelerate construction and ensure the remaining sections of the project are completed as quickly as possible. The directive was issued during the President’s working visit to Kabwe, where he inspected the progress of one of Zambia’s most significant road infrastructure projects. The visit demonstrated the government’s commitment to monitoring the implementation of major public works that are expected to improve transportation, stimulate economic growth and enhance connectivity across the country. Road infrastructure remains a key priority under the government’s development agenda because of its role in supporting trade, investment and the efficient movement of people and goods. By urging the contractor to increase the pace of construction, the President emphasized the importance of delivering the project within the expected timeframe so that citizens can begin enjoying its full benefits.
During the visit, President Hichilema also announced that the contractor responsible for the dual carriageway project will expand its scope of work by constructing new township roads in Kabwe. This decision represents a significant boost for the town’s infrastructure development and is expected to improve road conditions in residential and commercial areas. The additional road projects will complement the ongoing dual carriageway works by strengthening the local transport network and making it easier for residents and businesses to move around the town. Improved township roads are also expected to enhance access to schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other essential public services. The announcement reflects the government’s broader strategy of ensuring that major infrastructure investments also deliver direct benefits to local communities.
The President noted that construction within Kabwe’s Central Business District has already reached advanced stages, with one carriageway expected to be opened to traffic in the near future. The opening of this section will provide much-needed relief for motorists who have experienced disruptions during the construction period. Once operational, the completed carriageway will improve traffic flow through one of the busiest parts of Kabwe while supporting commercial activities in the town centre. Businesses are expected to benefit from improved accessibility, while commuters will enjoy shorter travel times and smoother journeys. The progress recorded so far demonstrates that the project is moving forward despite the complexity of constructing a major highway through an active urban area.
President Hichilema also highlighted the steady progress being made on the 23 kilometre Kabwe Bypass, which forms an important part of the overall road development programme. The bypass has been designed to redirect heavy haulage vehicles away from the central business district, reducing the pressure placed on roads that are primarily used by local motorists and pedestrians. Heavy trucks travelling between different parts of the country currently contribute to congestion and increased wear on urban roads. Once the bypass becomes fully operational, long distance freight traffic will be able to avoid the town centre, creating a safer and more efficient transport system. This development is expected to improve travel conditions for residents while preserving the quality of local road infrastructure.
The construction of the Kabwe Bypass is also expected to generate long-term economic and environmental benefits for the town. Reduced traffic congestion will allow businesses to operate more efficiently as goods and services move more quickly through the area. Lower traffic volumes within the town centre can also contribute to improved road safety by reducing the interaction between heavy commercial vehicles and pedestrians. In addition, directing freight traffic onto the bypass is expected to decrease road maintenance costs by limiting damage caused by overloaded trucks on urban streets. These improvements will help create a more attractive environment for investment while supporting Kabwe’s continued growth and development.
The Lusaka to Ndola Dual Carriageway project remains one of Zambia’s most important infrastructure investments because it connects key economic centres and supports regional trade. The highway serves as a vital transport corridor for businesses, commercial transport operators and thousands of motorists who travel between Lusaka, Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi and Ndola. Upgrading the road into a modern dual carriageway is expected to improve road safety, reduce travel times and increase the efficiency of cargo transportation. The inclusion of township roads and the Kabwe Bypass further demonstrates the government’s intention to maximize the impact of the project by addressing both national and local transportation needs. These combined investments are expected to strengthen economic activity while improving the daily lives of communities along the route.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s inspection of the project reaffirmed the government’s determination to ensure that critical infrastructure developments are completed efficiently and deliver lasting benefits to the people of Zambia. His directive to accelerate construction reflects the importance of timely project delivery, while the expansion of works to include township roads highlights a broader vision for inclusive development. The progress already achieved within the Central Business District and on the Kabwe Bypass indicates that the project is steadily moving toward completion. Once all components are fully operational, motorists, businesses and residents are expected to experience safer roads, reduced congestion and improved transport connectivity. The Lusaka to Ndola Dual Carriageway project is set to become a major driver of economic growth and national development while transforming Kabwe into a more accessible and efficient transport hub.