PETER SICHALI writes
@SunZambian
ABOUT K9 million will be spent on modernisation of the newly constructed Isoka dry Port along the Great North Road, Council Chairperson Charles Simukoko has said.
Mr Simukoko said the funds would be used to expand the newly opened dry port and construction of additional facilities.
“As part of the project to rehabilitate the Great North Road from Chinsali to Nakonde, Isoka district council has been allocated about K9 million for the modernisation of the dry port,
“So as a council we have decided that instead of constructing another dry port we will improve on the newly constructed one by putting up lodging rooms, shops and a mini market,” Mr Simukoko said.
Mr Simukoko said the modern dry port would have 20 lodging rooms, a mini market, shops for rent and a restaurant among other facilities.
Mr Simukoko said the funds would also be used to improve the dry port surface by tarring it and fencing it off.
Mr Simukoko said the council has acquired additional land from traditional leadership for the expansion of the dry port.
He said the modern dry port would add beauty to the area and increase the revenue base for the council.
Mr Simukoko said the facility would also create new jobs as more people would be employed to work in the restaurant and the lodge.
And Mr Simukoko said the local authority had set aside K200, 000 for fuel to improve feeder roads in the district.
Mr Simukoko said the provincial administration had deployed a grader operator for that purpose.
He said improvement of feeder roads in the district would easy transportation of farming inputs and agriculture produce to the markets.
Meanwhile the local authority has embarked on the construction Katonga Bridge at the cost of K49, 000.
He said the contractor Plough Africa had already been awarded the job and work was expected to be completed before the start of rainy season.
