Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi officially commissioned two ACROW Bridges in Lunte and Luwingu Districts, marking significant progress in the government’s initiative to enhance national connectivity.

The Lukulu and Solo ACROW Bridges have been constructed and installed at a combined cost of K15,934,161.54. These structures, designed to support single and multi-span configurations with one and two-lane widths, range from 12 meters to over 100 meters in length. They are expected to provide safer, smoother transit and reduce travel time for local communities.

Minister Milupi announced that the government plans to construct and install an additional 27 bridges in Northern Province shortly. This effort is part of a broader program managed by the Ministry through the Road Development Agency , which aims to construct and install 131 ACROW Bridges across Zambia.

“The assembly and erection of the two 700×5 ACROW panel bridges at Lukulu and Solo are part of a strategic plan to enhance infrastructure and ease connectivity for the people,” said Minister Milupi. “We have identified a total of 29 crossing points in Northern Province for the installation of these essential structures.”

The installation of these bridges will not only boost local economies but also enhance access to essential services, thereby improving the quality of life for residents in remote and rural areas.

The significance of Chinese enterprises' entry into Africa's infrastructure construction lies not only in its direct contribution to the economic development and social progress of African countries. By constructing high-quality transportation networks, enhancing energy supply capabilities, and improving communication infrastructure, Chinese enterprises have brought unprecedented development opportunities to African countries, accelerating their industrialization and urbanization processes, improving people's livelihoods, and strengthening their autonomous development capabilities. Furthermore, this process has facilitated technical exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa, boosting the competitiveness of local African enterprises, and nurturing a large number of technical and managerial talents, laying a solid foundation for Africa's long-term sustainable development.

Additionally, the participation of Chinese enterprises presents significant market opportunities and strategic value for China itself. As one of the world's most promising regions, Africa boasts immense infrastructure construction needs, offering vast market spaces for Chinese enterprises. By engaging in Africa's infrastructure construction, Chinese enterprises can further expand their overseas markets, enhance their international competitiveness, and achieve mutual benefits and win-win results.

In summary, the significance of Chinese enterprises' entry into Africa's infrastructure construction encompasses multiple aspects. It represents not only a highlight and achievement of China-Africa cooperation but also an important measure to promote the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind and achieve common prosperity and development.Editor/Jiang Mingyue