Kitwe’s Kapompi Bridge washed away
Written by Millennium on April 6, 2019
GOVERNMENT has directed AVIC International to quickly erect a temporal bridge at Kapompi as it is a strategic link between Nkana East Extension and Chipata compound in Kitwe on the Copperbelt.
Minister in the Office of the Vice-President Sylvia Chalikosa said there was need to put up a temporal bridge because the manner in which pupils were crossing the stream on Nkana water pipes was in itself a hazard.
The bridge sits on the road that should be rehabilitated by AVIC International under the Zambia township roads project.
According to a statement issued by Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) communications officer, Rachael Mupanga, the Minister gave the directive to the Chinese firm after she inspected the collapsed bridge yesterday.
Kapompi Bridge which connects the two townships was recently washed away due to heavy rains experienced in the area, for the second time after being constructed.
Ms Chalikosa instructed Avic International to put up a temporal bridge because the manner in which some pedestrians, more especially pupils were crossing the stream on Nkana water pipes was in itself a hazard.
“As government, we would not want to lose any life because crossing the stream on Nkana water pipes was in itself a hazard. So I am directing Avic International to quickly erect a temporal bridge before a permanent one can be put up,” Ms Chalikosa said.
The minister has also tasked DMMU national coordinator Chanda Kabwe to work with the office of the Kitwe Mayor so that a temporal bridge could quickly be erected.
