Construction of K7 Million Acrow Bridge in Mambwe District Commences

Works on the construction of an Acrow bridge across Mtetezi Stream in Msoro Ward of Malambo Constituency, Mambwe District, have commenced at a cost of K7 million.

The project is being carried out by Mambwe Town Council in partnership with Road Development Agency (RDA) and is funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at a cost of K3.5 million.

The RDA is providing both technical support and additional funding of K3.5 million bringing the total cost of the project to K7 million.

Speaking during a site visit, Council Secretary, John Mwanza, expressed satisfaction with the progress made.

Mr. Mwanza emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the Local Authority and RDA to ensure timely completion.

And RDA Provincial Roads Eng. Engineer Ivwananji Sikombe, assured that efforts will be made to complete the project before the heavy rains begin.

Eng. Sikombe noted that the project is as critical and urgent to RDA just as it is to Mambwe Town Council.

The Mtetezi bridge serves as a vital crossing point for the residents of Msoro Chiefdom, where over 680 villages depend on it to access goods and services from outside the area.

However, during the rainy season, the stream becomes impassable, creating significant challenges for the community.

According to a statement issued by Council Public Relations Officer Grace Lungu, the scope of the work includes excavation, construction of abutments, assembly of the Acrow bridge, and installation at the crossing point.

Ms. Lungu said as of October 16, 2024, excavation works had already begun, and a diversion already made to ensure traffic flow is not disrupted as construction works are going on.

“The project is a welcome relief to the beneficiaries, who have long faced difficulties crossing the stream, with some tragic incidents of loss of life reported,” Ms. Lungu said.