African Development Bank approves $ 243 million in loans to help rehabilitate Zambia-Tanzania road.
The 220 km Chinsali-Nakonde road upgrade project is expected to improve infrastructure and reduce transport costs in northern Zambia and southern Tanzania. Reconstruction work will include the complete restoration of the existing route, as well as the rehabilitation of 50 km of access roads and the construction of petrol stations. Other aspects of the project will include training youth and women in road works, as well as technical assistance for road maintenance..
The Chinsali-Nakonde road is strategically important for the development of the region, and it forms a link with the Northeast Corridor, which crosses eight African countries and the Trans-African Highway, which runs from Cape Town to Cairo.
The road is currently in a deplorable state. It was built in the 70s and needs modernization. The total cost of the work is estimated at $ 255.76 million. Zambian government will invest 5% in the project.