Solwezi Council procures construction equipment

—-Minister of Local Government and Housing, Emerine Kabanshi, has commended the Solwezi Municipal Council (SMC) for procuring road construction equipment valued at KR 11 million.

Ms Kabanshi noted that the equipment will help to improve the delivery of service in the district.

She said this in Solwezi yesterday during the commissioning of the road construction equipment.

The minister said a good road network is important in Solwezi because it will foster development and provide an opportunity for the local authority to ensure that people have access to basic services such as schools and hospitals.

Ms Kabanshi said the increase in economic activities in the district has resulted in an increase in population and should be supported by a good road infrastructure.

“I congratulate Solwezi council for taking a bold decision to procure this machinery. It will go a long way in providing the much needed services to the community”, she said.

The Local Government Minister said the PF government has fully supported the initiative taken by Solwezi council and urged stakeholders in the district to work closely with the local authority to construct infrastructure that will sustain the social economic development.

Ms Kabanshi also commended the local authority for spending KR 11 million to purchase the equipment which will also be used to in addressing solid waste management problems.

“The purchase of the equipment is a major milestone to providing the necessary impetus for the development of bridges, roads and other infrastructure for the benefit of local community”, she said.

Ms Kabanshi said government will upgrade 30 kilometres of roads to bituminous standards in Solwezi this year.

Among the equipment which has been bought include four tipper trucks, three front-end loaders, one compactor, excavators and two bull dozers.

And Solwezi Mayor, Andrew Kalangwa, said procuring of the equipment has being one of the achievements that Solwezi District    Council has made.                                                                 

The mayor assured the residents that the council will make substantive process in improving the road network in the district.

Meanwhile, Solwezi Town Clerk, Ronald Daka, said the equipment was procured from local resources that residents pay to the council in form of property rates and other service charges.

Mr Daka said the purchase of the equipment has resulted in the creation of 31 direct jobs for the local youths.

“I wish to report that as a result of this gesture, the council has created 31 direct jobs for the youths here,” Mr Daka said.

The Town Clerk thanked the Ministry of Local Government and Housing for support it is giving to the institution that has enabling it to improve delivery of service.