President Lungu, Indian President Kovind commissions works to decongest Lusaka roads

President Edgar Lungu and visiting President of India Shri Ram Nati Kovind today launched works to decongest Lusaka roads at a cost of US$246 Million.

At a ground-breaking ceremony in Chilanga District, Lusaka Province, President Lungu says the decongestion of Lusaka roads is the biggest government to government cooperation project.

The Head of State says the PF Government has shown commitment towards decongesting Lusaka through other road projects such as the L400.

He says Zambia is positioning itself well to become a transport hub for the SADC region especially through the expansion of roads and creation of ring roads.

President Lungu says the people of Zambia did not misplace their confidence in the Patriotic Front (PF) as it has proven hard work.

He has since praised Export and Import (EXIM) Bank of India and the contractors AFCOMS and Shapoorji Pallonji for the commitment towards the project.

And President of the Republic of India Shri Ram Nati Kovind says development cooperation is key in India’s economic diplomacy.

President Kovind says he is happy to be part of the launch of the historic project in Chilanga as congestion results in loss of man hours and productivity.

He says he is confident that the project is a landmark symbol of the enhancement of the already existing friendship between India and Zambia.

Earlier, Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale says the project is a landmark move to improve motorized mobility in urban areas.

Mr. Mwale has since urged Zambians to continue supporting President Lungu as he has put great effort to improve the lives of the Zambian people.

Meanwhile, Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Ronald Chitotela has assured the nation of quality works.

He says the local people will also have to be empowered through the 20 percent reserved for Zambian contractors.

And Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo says people in his Province are excited over the roads project.

The Republican President of India has since left for Livingstone to appreciate the natural wonder of the world, the Victoria Falls.

The three day State Visit ends today as he is expected to leave Zambia this evening.

This is contained in a statement made available in Lusaka today by First Secretary Press and Tourism at the Zambian Mission in New Delhi, India, Bangwe Naviley.

Meanwhile, speaking during the State Banquet hosted in honour of visiting Indian President Ram Nath Kovind in Lusaka last night, President Edgar Lungu said India is a shining example of the possibilities for developing countries to transform their economies and the lives of their people.

President Lungu said India’s emphasis on increasing manufacturing and improving the level and accessibility to education, particularly amongst women, has yielded immense benefits for its people.

President Lungu states that Zambia is following India’s example in that regard.

He is especially pleased, that Zambia and India have signed several key agreements during this visit, which pertain to improving economic cooperation between the two countries, as well as increasing the capacities to produce sustainable energy.