A Day on the Great North Road: President Hichilema Inspects the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway

President Hakainde Hichilema spent the day on the road, inspecting progress on the landmark Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway and meeting Zambians along the route.

The 327-kilometre highway, long one of the country's busiest and most hazardous roads, is the main artery linking Lusaka to the Copperbelt Province. Its upgrade to a dual carriageway is set to improve road safety, cut journey times and ease the movement of people, goods and services, while attracting investment and creating jobs along one of Zambia's key economic corridors.

Walking the site, the President stopped to speak with construction workers, thanking them for their efforts and hearing first-hand how the works are advancing. He said the project was progressing well and, importantly, was being delivered under a Public-Private Partnership worth about US$650 million, far less than the more than US$1 billion the previous plan would have cost the Government. The road, he stressed, is being built without placing a financial burden on the public purse.

Along the way, the President paused to address crowds who had gathered to greet him, and stopped in local markets to meet traders and residents. At 10 Miles, he urged Zambians to vote for the UPND in next month's general election to see the project through, and appealed to voters not to return to an era of political violence and economic instability. He also questioned the opposition's case for change, noting that many of its leaders back policies his administration has already delivered.

In a gesture typical of his stops, the President directed that four volunteer nurses who had gathered at the roadside be recruited into the public service next month.

He closed the day with an evening rally in Chibombo District, Central Province, where thousands welcomed him.