Barotse Highway Limited (BHL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), has signed a concession with the Government of the Republic of Zambia for the construction of a crucial 371-kilometer road connecting Mutanda to Kaoma. This strategic development is poised to unlock logistics and trade in Zambia, addressing the significant challenges posed by the current road infrastructure.
The Barotse Highway Limited Special Purpose Vehicle (BHL-SPV) as the Concessionaire will be responsible for the design, financing, construction, and operation of the road.
The existing Mutanda to Kaoma road, which is predominantly gravel and in urgent need of extensive upgrades, has long been a barrier to seamless transportation. The project promoter, Buks Haulage Zambia Limited (BHL) said the $337 million project will upon completion unlock the region’s transport and logistics in a range of economic activities.
Speaking in Kasempa, Chief Executive Officer Buks van Rensburg noted, “The importance and impact of the road cannot be understated. It is the fastest route linking Zambia’s mineral-rich Copperbelt and Northwestern Provinces in Zambia to West Coast Regions of Africa and South Africa. It will further act as a gateway for trade with Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and to the world.”
He added that the road is a key link between the Solwezi, Kalumbila, Lumwana, and the entire North-Western region to Walvis Bay in Namibia. The current state of the road hampers seamless traffic movement, impacting trade within Zambia and potential economic ties with neighboring countries like Congo DRC.
Upon completion, the road will unlock significant benefits for local communities and the country in mining, tourism, agriculture, fish trade, timber production, social services, and reduced vehicle operating costs.
Further, the primary beneficiaries of the Mutanda to Kaoma road rehabilitation and construction project include the mining industry, businesses, regional trade, local communities, the Government, and the transportation sector. The project's services aim to create a positive impact on various stakeholders, fostering economic development and regional connectivity.
Buks Haulage Zambia is a distinguished logistics service provider based in Solwezi, Northwestern Province of Zambia. With expertise in transporting various commodities and a substantial presence in Namibia, Botswana, Congo DRC, and South Africa, BHL operates a fleet of 700 vehicles. Actively involved in maintaining part of the road since 2017, BHL comprehensively understands the road's potential and challenges.
“We built the road seven years ago and have operated and maintained it for free. This has given us rare insight into the potential of the corridor to unlock massive economic activity for Zambia. Our understanding of the region, trade and economic potential was the catalyst for our involvement in this project and we’re excited about seeing these possibilities come to life,” said van Rensburg.
