By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
Taxi drivers in Livingstone, Zambia, are expressing frustration over the poor condition of roads, particularly in the central business district.
The drivers claim that the council’s temporary fixes, which involve applying gravel to the roads, are not lasting and are causing damage to their vehicles.
“We are tired of spending money on repairs because of the poor road conditions,” said one of the taxi drivers. “The council needs to find a permanent solution to this problem.”
Livingstone City Council Public Relations Manager, Melvin Mukela, acknowledged the concerns and stated that the council is aware that the roads need to be tarred. However, he cited that the council does not have sufficient funds to carry out the necessary repairs.
In the meantime, the government, through the Constituency Development Fund, has allocated funds for road grading and gravelling in some wards.
Livingstone Member of Parliament, Rodney Sikumba, stated that the government is working to address the issue and that the concerns of poor road network will be addressed in due time.
Libuyu ward councillor reported that the ward was funded K500,000 under the 2024 Constituency Development Fund to grade and gravel roads.
The works are expected to last about 10 days, and the Councillor encouraged other wards to emulate Libuyu’s efforts in utilizing the CDF.
