The signing of a $56.7 million concession agreement with Jasworld Ports Limited to modernize the Mokambo border station and repair the Mufulira-Mokambo Road is a major step forward for the Zambian government in strengthening its infrastructure. As part of larger initiatives to increase regional connection and trade through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), the deal was signed under the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Development.
The project includes a number of important elements, one of which is the $18.6 million bituminous upgrade of the 15.5-kilometer Mufulira-Mokambo Road. An estimated $1.9 million has been set aside for preparatory work, and $14.7 million has been set aside for improvements to border facilities. A toll plaza’s development is also expected to cost $1.5 million. The project will run under a 22-year concession period and is anticipated to be finished in two years.
Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning, emphasized the importance of PPPs in propelling Zambia’s infrastructure development during his remarks at the signing ceremony. He called the deal a “historic moment” and praised the New Dawn Government for fixing the terrible condition of the road, which had existed for more than 40 years. “This government’s inventiveness has solved a problem that has impeded economic development for years,” Musokotwane stated.
The chairman of Jasworld Ports Limited, Soon Chinyuny, went into detail about the project’s scope, which includes building an office park, modernizing the road infrastructure, and expanding and modernizing the Mokambo border post. Stakeholders were reassured by Chinyuny that the project will be carried out effectively, with a focus on including local people at every stage of construction.
Notable individuals attended the signing ceremony, including members of parliament Anthony Mumba, Heartson Mabeta, and Golden Mwila, who represented the Kantanshi, Kankoyo, and Mufulira seats, respectively, and Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga.
