The Great East Road in Rufunsa District has successfully reopened following swift response from the Zambia National Service (ZNS), in collaboration with the Road Development Agency (RDA) and other government institutions through the installation of an Acrow Bridge at Kankhumba Stream after culverts were washed away by heavy rains.
Lusaka Province Minister, Honourable Sheal Mulyata, officially flagged off the bridge, commending the swift response, teamwork and commitment demonstrated by ZNS, RDA, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), the Zambia Police Service and the local community.
Hon Mulyata said the completion of works within just three days, under difficult weather conditions, was a clear demonstration of effective leadership and coordination among government institutions.
“This is what a working government looks like. Something that seemed impossible has been completed in record time because of teamwork, understanding and respect for time. The motorists are happy, the community is relieved, and we thank God that no life was lost,” the Minister said.
She emphasized the economic importance of the Great East Road, noting that it serves as a critical trade corridor linking Zambia to Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania and called for continued attention to road safety, including addressing potholes and improving road markings after the rainy season.
Meanwhile, Zambia National Service Commander, Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II, said the successful installation of the Acrow Bridge was a direct reflection of the Commander-in-Chief’s directive for government institutions to complement each other rather than compete.
“We are all singing from the same hymn sheet. No one is a victor or vanquished here. When we combine our abilities, we achieve results like this,” Lt Gen Solochi said.
He disclosed that President Hakainde Hichilema has directed ZNS and RDA to conduct a countrywide assessment of roads and bridges to prevent recurring calamities during the rainy season.
“We should not be surprised by infrastructure failures every rainy season. As engineers, we must anticipate risks, intervene early and create detours where necessary before disasters occur,” he said, adding that timely action by the community and security wings helped avert loss of life.
And ZNS Chief of Land Development Branch (LDB), Brigadier General Japhen Mukanda, explained that ZNS mobilized equipment immediately after the incident, with works commencing on Friday morning.
He said a detour was completed by midnight to allow traffic to resume, while installation of the Acrow Bridge progressed concurrently.
“This Acrow Bridge has a structural capacity of about 65 tonnes but is designed to safely accommodate vehicles weighing up to 80 tonnes, ensuring uninterrupted movement of heavy commercial traffic along the Great East Road”, Brig Gen Mukanda explained.
He assured government leadership that future assignments would be completed even faster, citing the commitment and discipline of ZNS engineers on the ground.
RDA Director of Road Maintenance, Engineer Paul Habasimbi, confirmed that the Acrow Bridge had been installed within the promised timeframe and officially opened to traffic.
“This is exactly three days later, as assured. We have worked closely with ZNS, DMMU and other stakeholders to restore connectivity. Going forward, RDA will assess the entire stretch of the Great East Road, particularly aging culverts that are vulnerable to flooding,” Eng Habasimbi said.
He revealed that about 95 percent of culverts along the road are old metal pipes that require replacement with more climate-resilient concrete structures.
The reopening of the Great East Road has brought relief to motorists and communities who were temporarily cut off, reaffirming Government’s commitment to responsive infrastructure management, inter-agency cooperation and public safety.
ZNS