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First Quantum Minerals (FQM), through its subsidiary Kansanshi Mining has commenced the upgrading of the Mitech-Boom Gate Road to a dual carriageway in Solwezi District. The project is being funded on a 50:50 basis, with K52 million in construction costs provided by Kansanshi Mining and K52 million by the government, for a total investment of K104 million.
The K52 million investment by FQM underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to complementing the Zambian government’s efforts to enhance road infrastructure and stimulate economic growth in the North-Western Province.
The project will transform the 4.82-kilometre stretch from the Mitech traffic lights to the Kansanshi mine gate into a high-quality, stone-based dual carriageway, featuring two lanes of traffic in each direction. This robust design, similar to the proven Smelter Bypass Road, ensures durability and effective load-bearing capacity for the heavy traffic conditions experienced along this vital corridor.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, North-Western Province Minister, Robert Lihefu, lauded the initiative as a testament to the thriving partnership between the the government and the private sector.
“This event is a clear demonstration of the partnership that exists between the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the private sector. This goes to show that when government has provided an enabling environment for investment, corporate social responsibility also thrives,” Lihefu said.
The Minister further highlighted the immediate benefits of the project, including the alleviation of chronic congestion and improved safety for motorists and residents who have long endured the poor state of the road.
He also acknowledged Kansanshi Mining PLC’s previous acts of goodwill, such as temporary road maintenance and dust suppression, performed entirely at the company’s expense.
“The government was aware of your challenges and engaged Kansanshi Mine to upgrade the stretch for the good of all of us,” he added.
Kansanshi Mining PLC Assistant General Manager, Axel Kottgen, emphasised the collaborative spirit driving the project.
“This has been a very important mark of partnership. That’s what this event is about today. It’s about partnership between the local authorities, the provincial, Solwezi Council, and Kansanshi,” said Kottgen.
He reiterated Kansanshi’s dedication to working hand-in-hand with local leadership to foster an environment that supports both mine expansion and the holistic development of Solwezi.
Kottgen explained that the K52 million investment is a direct donation from Kansanshi Mining PLC, provided in kind through the execution of the work at cost, above all taxes, royalties, and other corporate social investments.
He further assured stakeholders that the road would be built to the highest standards, mirroring the quality of the cemented bypass road, and designed to withstand heavy traffic for years to come.
“Our standard that our engineers and our team are going to build here, is the same as the cemented bypass. So, we’re talking about stone-based road, a dual carriageway with a high drain edge, curbing, and nylon in the middle, which is made to last,” he said.
The Solwezi Mayor, Remmy Kalepa, also expressed his gratitude and commitment to the partnership.
“We want to assure our partners in development, Kansanshi Mine, that we will work hand in hand together in making sure that the people of Solwezi can also feel part and parcel of the development that is within reach within their district and the province and the country at large.”
The Mitech-Boom Gate dual carriageway is expected to significantly reduce congestion, improve safety, and stimulate economic activities for businesses along the corridor. It will also bring dignity and comfort to road users by eliminating issues of mud during the rainy season and dust in the dry season. The project is expected to be delivered on schedule by the end of the year, with construction commencing immediately.
First Quantum Minerals remains committed to playing a pivotal role in the development of Solwezi and the North-Western Province, demonstrating that strong public-private
partnerships are key to achieving sustainable progress and prosperity for all Zambians.
