The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has intensified its push to improve urban infrastructure in Solwezi District, where Permanent Secretary for Administration Dr Gabriel Pollen has directed contractors working on the 10.1 kilometre township roads project to immediately speed up construction works. The K272 million project forms part of government’s broader effort to modernise urban roads and improve mobility in key economic centres. During a site inspection in Solwezi, Dr Pollen expressed concern over the pace of work and emphasized that delays in infrastructure delivery directly affect communities and local business activity. He called for urgent mobilisation of additional manpower and machinery to ensure that remaining sections are completed within schedule. The inspection highlighted government’s growing focus on accountability and efficiency in public infrastructure development.
The township roads project covers several important urban routes, including Solwezi Day Road, Kazomba–Messenger Road, and Mwanawasa Road, all of which are central to daily movement within the district. These roads are being upgraded to bituminous standard with modern engineering features designed to improve durability and safety. The scope of works includes the installation of proper drainage systems to prevent flooding and road damage during the rainy season. In addition, pedestrian walkways are being constructed to improve safety for residents, while solar-powered streetlights are being introduced to enhance visibility and security at night. The design of the infrastructure reflects a long-term approach to urban planning and sustainable transport development.
Dr Pollen stressed that contractors must not only accelerate construction but also maintain strict adherence to high engineering quality standards. He warned that speed should not compromise workmanship, as poor-quality infrastructure leads to higher maintenance costs and reduced lifespan of public assets. According to him, government investment in road infrastructure must deliver long-lasting benefits to communities and support economic activity. He reiterated that contractors are expected to deploy sufficient resources to meet project deadlines without sacrificing standards. His remarks reinforced government’s expectation that public funds must translate into durable and reliable infrastructure.
During the inspection, Dr Pollen emphasized that timely completion of road projects is non-negotiable, particularly in growing urban centres like Solwezi. He explained that reliable road networks are essential for inclusive economic growth as they directly influence the movement of goods, services, and people. Improved roads reduce transport costs for businesses and households, which in turn stimulates local commerce and investment. He noted that delays in infrastructure development can slow down economic activity and inconvenience residents who depend on these routes for daily travel. His message underscored the link between infrastructure delivery and economic performance at district level.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted that the ongoing road upgrade programme in Solwezi is part of a wider national effort to improve township roads across various districts. The government aims to enhance connectivity and ensure that urban centres are equipped with modern infrastructure that supports development. He explained that better roads contribute to improved access to markets, schools, and health facilities, thereby strengthening community well-being. He further stated that these projects are designed to ease the movement of goods and people, which is essential for vibrant local economies. The initiative reflects government’s commitment to balanced regional development and infrastructure equity.
While acknowledging progress made so far, Dr Pollen expressed concern that the current pace of construction remains below expectations. He urged contractors to increase efficiency and avoid unnecessary delays that could affect project completion timelines. He emphasized that residents of Solwezi deserve timely delivery of high-quality infrastructure that meets national standards. He also noted that government will continue to closely monitor project implementation to ensure that targets are met. His remarks served as a clear warning that performance will be closely scrutinized throughout the construction period.
Dr Pollen further commended the overall design of the Solwezi township roads project, noting that it represents a significant investment in urban transformation. He highlighted that the inclusion of drainage systems, pedestrian infrastructure, and solar street lighting demonstrates a comprehensive approach to modern road development. He added that these features will not only improve mobility but also enhance safety and reduce long-term maintenance costs for the municipality. He expressed appreciation for ongoing efforts but maintained that greater urgency is required to complete the project. His comments reflected both encouragement and accountability directed at implementing teams.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to strong oversight and collaboration with the Solwezi Municipal Council to ensure efficient use of public resources. He stated that every kwacha invested in infrastructure must deliver visible and measurable benefits to citizens. He also emphasized that monitoring and supervision will remain central to ensuring quality outcomes in all infrastructure projects. According to him, government remains focused on delivering roads that meet the expectations of residents and support economic growth. The partnership between central government and local authorities was presented as key to achieving successful project delivery.
The Solwezi township roads upgrade stands as a major infrastructure intervention aimed at transforming urban mobility and supporting local economic development. With its focus on modern engineering standards and improved road safety features, the project is expected to significantly enhance transport efficiency within the district. Dr Pollen’s inspection reinforced the urgency of completing the works on schedule while maintaining high construction quality. As government continues to push for improved infrastructure delivery, the Solwezi project remains a key example of efforts to strengthen urban development and economic activity through better road networks.