A Chinese corporation will build a bridge linking Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC) at the cost of 14.5 million U.S. dollars under a contract signed in Lusaka on Friday.

The project is to start next month and will be completed in 18 months. The 320-meter-long bridge will be constructed across the Luapula River bordering the DRC.

At the signing ceremony representative of China Henan International Corporation Zhang Chengping promised that they will not disappoint Zambia.

Permanent Secretary of Zambian Ministry of Works and Supply Bizwayo Nkunika said at the ceremony that the construction was an important communication between the DRC and his country and was a vital link in Zambia's internal road communications providing quicker access between Copperbelt and Luapula province.

Nkunika praised the contractor for its "impressive record" and urged it to quickly mobilize and establish their presence on site because the people in Luapula province were anxious to see the commencement of this long awaited project.

Source: Xinhua