Heavy rains tore through the Great East Road collapsing the road and severing Lusaka’s vital link to Eastern Province.
Within hours of the disaster alert, the Zambia National Service Commander Lt Gen Eng Maliti Solochi II was boots-on-the-ground at the washed-out site in Rufunsa District, surveying the damage firsthand.
“We moved the moment we got the word,” he said, announcing an urgent fix.
“Equipment has already been mobilized and is on the way to ensure that works begin without delay,” the Service Chief said.
He has revealed that a detour will be made immediately as the works on installing an acrow bridge will be undertaken to allow for passage of traffic.
Works are set to begin at dawn, with a three-day emergency bridge installation planned.
For now, the Commander’s rapid deployment signals a full commitment to reconnect Eastern Province to Lusaka Province.
(c) ZNS