Government has dispelled claims that major infrastructure projects in Luapula Province have been abandoned. Luapula Province Minister, Engineer Nason Musonda has maintained that all construction of Mansa Airport and works on the major road projects were progressing as planned. The media reports that, during a media briefing, Engineer Musonda indicated that contractors on key projects that include Musaila–Lubwe–Kasaba, Kashikishi–Chienge Roads and Mansa Airport were actively on site.
“Government officially commenced works on key projects in October 2025, among them the Musaila–Lubwe–Kasaba Road, the Kashikishi–Chienge Road, and the provincial airport and none of these projects have stalled,” Engineer Musonda said. He disclosed that the 80 Kilometre Musaila–Lubwe–Kasaba Road and covering 5 Kilometres of township roads in Chifunabuli valued at about K937 million recorded significant preparatory progress. Musonda disclosed that the contractor has completed about 98 percent of site camp establishment in Chifunabuli, while 40 percent of construction equipment was already on site, with full mobilisation expected by the end of February, 2026.
The Minister explained that full-scale construction works were scheduled to commence towards the end of March or early April, once the rainy season subsides. Engineer Musonda said that the contractor for Kashikishi-Chienge Road is currently on-site establishing camps and mobilising equipment. “On the Kashikishi–Chienge Road, also known as the Nchelenge–Chienge Road the contractor is on site establishing the camp and also mobilising the equipment,” Engineer Musonda said.
Read Full Article on Lusaka Times
[paywall]
The Minister disclosed that the 95 Kilometre Kashikishi-Chienge Road project valued at over K1.9 billion was expected to significantly enhance trade, fishing, agriculture and cross-border commerce with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) once completed. Engineer Musonda further commended the contractor, GED for remaining on site during the rainy season, revealing that bridge works, including those on the Luongo River along the Chalwe Road, are actively progressing. He also confirmed steady progress on the construction and upgrade of Mansa Airport adding that advanced procurement processes are underway for the long-awaited Pedicle Road, which he described as a critical economic lifeline for Luapula Province.
[/paywall]
