The Zambian Government has officially commenced the long-awaited rehabilitation of the 212-kilometre Livingstone–Sesheke Road, following the award of contracts worth more than K3.2 billion by the Road Development Agency (RDA).
The upgrade of the M10 highway is expected to transform one of the country’s most strategic transport corridors by improving connectivity between major tourism destinations, border crossings and commercial centres. The project will benefit the districts of Livingstone, Kazungula, Mwandi and Sesheke, while enhancing the movement of people and goods across the region.
The rehabilitation contracts have been awarded to Sino-Hydro Corporation Limited, in partnership with Nchifar Enterprises Limited, with construction works divided into two phases to accelerate implementation and improve project efficiency.
Under the first contract, valued at approximately K1.54 billion, the contractors will rehabilitate the section of the highway from Livingstone to the Kazungula Turn-off, together with the stretch from the Simungoma Turn-off to Sesheke Boma. The contract also includes the upgrading of 10 kilometres of township roads in Livingstone and five kilometres in Sesheke to improve urban mobility.
The second contract, worth around K1.74 billion, will cover the remaining section of the Livingstone–Sesheke highway. In addition, the project includes the upgrading of five kilometres of township roads in both Kazungula and Mwandi districts to bituminous standard, further improving local transport infrastructure.
Road Development Agency Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager Anthony Mulowa confirmed that the project sites have already been handed over to the contractor and that mobilisation is underway.
According to Mr Mulowa, the contractor has commenced the engineering design phase while simultaneously mobilising equipment and personnel to prepare for full-scale construction.
As preparations continue, the RDA has also deployed equipment through the Mwandi Town Council to undertake emergency repairs on some of the most severely damaged sections of the highway. These temporary interventions are intended to improve road safety and traffic flow, particularly in areas heavily affected by long-distance freight vehicles where deteriorating road conditions have caused significant transport challenges.
The Livingstone–Sesheke Road serves as a critical transport artery connecting Zambia’s tourism capital with the country’s western region and providing access to important regional trade corridors. Once completed, the rehabilitation is expected to reduce travel times, lower vehicle operating costs, improve road safety and facilitate increased tourism and cross-border trade.
K1.6 Billion Chipata–Lundazi Road Upgrade Also Underway
In a further boost to the country’s road infrastructure programme, the RDA has awarded a separate K1.6 billion contract to China Geo Engineering Corporation for the rehabilitation of the Chipata–Lundazi Road in Eastern Province.
The project will include the upgrading of the main highway together with five kilometres of urban roads in both Lumezi and Lundazi districts, improving access for local communities and businesses.
Mr Mulowa said the contractor has already mobilised to site and commenced preliminary works, with full-scale construction expected to begin once detailed engineering designs are completed later this month.
The Livingstone–Sesheke and Chipata–Lundazi road projects form part of the Government’s ongoing investment in modernising Zambia’s transport infrastructure. By upgrading key national highways and urban road networks, the initiatives aim to strengthen regional integration, support economic development, facilitate trade and tourism, and improve connectivity across the country.
