Government  is upgrading infrastructure and security facilities at Mokambo border because of the increased trade volumes being recorded at the facility. Speaking after inspecting a Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and Immigration Department building at the border on Saturday, Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo said Mokambo has steadily been recording increased trade and as such needs improved infrastructure. Government is also building a police station at the border, which is almost complete.

“I’m impressed with the progress made so far, we did realise that there was a mismatch because the infrastructure was old and yet trade was increasing. “We decided to do this project because of the increased trade volumes and the border is getting busy every day,” he said. Mr Kampyongo said his ministry will ensure that funds are mobilised to enable the contractor to finish construction works in the next four weeks.

The ZRA and Immigration Department offices and the police station are being built at K3.7 million each. Mr Kampyongo was also happy that local contractors are working on the two projects. Copperbelt Minister Japhen Mwakalombe said the ZRA and Immigration Department offices will contribute to improved trade in Luapula, Muchinga, Northern and Copperbelt provinces, as well as the DRC.

“This new infrastructure will enable our men and women in uniform to work well in an environment which is conducive. “I’m happy that our economy is growing day by day and as we see the economy grow, we will see more infrastructure coming up,” he said. Kankoyo Member of Parliament Anthony Mumba commended the Ministry of Home Affairs for ensuring that houses for police officers are built in his constituency.

“Not too long ago, we were commissioning houses for police officers, and now this is a milestone, you are creating a good working environment for our men and women in uniform,” Mr Mumba said. He also commended the contractors for executing works on the two projects in an acceptable manner. Mr Mumba said the local contractors’ workmanship i

s in line with Government’s policy of building capacity in Zambian construction companies.