We have noticed deliberate and heightened publicity stunts by the UPND Government meant to hoodwink Zambians into believing that the works on the Ndola-Lusaka dual carriageway have actually begun in earnest.

We wish to challenge Government to show proof that Macro Ocean Investment Consortium, the Consortium that has been awarded the tender to construct the Ndola-Lusaka dual carriageway has actually attained the financial close for the Ndola-Lusaka Road.

The Consortium may have started repair works for the current single carriageway but that does not mean the project works for the dual carriageway have started.

We hereby ask Government to truthfully and comprehensively answer the following questions:

1. Has the Macro Oceans Consortium finalised funding and financial structuring and discussions with the would be funders yet?

2. If so, has the issue of expropriation and compensation for the households and businesses that will be displaced by the construction of the dual carriageway been finalised and if so who is responsible for the compensation?

3. Is the Government part of the Consortium?

4. When the total expropriation compensation amount is added to the figure quoted by the Consortium, how much does the total cost of the dual carriageway come to?

It is important that Government truthfully respond to these questions since the money involved is Zambians taxpayers’ money and it must be accounted for.

Issued by;

Antonio M. Mwanza

Deputy General Secretary

Socialist Party Zambia