GOVERNMENT has instructed Avic International to complete the temporary detour at the Kakoso bridge in Chililabombwe within 24 hours.
Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi, said that it is government’s desire to see the works concluded in time so that the stranded motorists can get back to their their day to day activities.
Milupi was speaking when he inspected the Kakoso bridge yesterday.
He assessed the damage caused and the works being done to temporarily restore the bridge.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of the works that have been done so far.
“My instruction is that the bridge be completed as soon as possible, we have no time to waste. Let us cut hours of the ultimatum of 48 hours if we can,” he said.
This is after the main bridge collapsed on Saturday evening due to a heavy downpour, which cut off Chililabombwe from the rest of the province.
Heavy machinery has been deployed to restore access on the busy stretch leading to the Kasumbalesa Border, one of the country’s key trade gateways.
Teams from AVIC International, the concessionaire, the Zambia National Service, the Zambia Army, Konkola Copper Mine, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit and other authorities, are working hand in hand to ensure that the calamity is dealt with.
Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo has expressed gratitude to the government for the quick response to the calamity.
Matambo assured motorists that works to finish the by-pass route will be completed soon.
By Sanfrossa Mberi
Kalemba March 3, 2026
