10/12/2025
ZNS, RDA CLARIFY TRUCK INCIDENT AT MAMBWE CROSSING POINT
…Mechanical failure, not poor road works, caused accident
The Zambia National Service (ZNS) and the Road Development Agency (RDA) have clarified that the recent incident involving a copper laden truck at the Mambwe crossing point on the Great East Road was not caused by poor workmanship on the temporary detour or bridge constructed by the two institutions.
The clarification follows a video circulating online suggesting that the road and temporary bridge had collapsed due to poor construction.
Officials who toured the site today have categorically dismissed these claims, describing the circulating information as false and misleading.
According to the truck owner, Mr Abdalla Huruse Som, the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure before the rains intensified.
“We were coming from Congo going to Mozambique when we reached here at the bridge two days ago and found the road was okay, but then the trailer unhooked from the horse and it stopped. We tried to push it through, but then the rains came and washed away the soil, causing the truck to sink,” the driver explained.
And the ZNS Commander, Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II reiterated that the truck was on the wrong when it used a temporal light road that is specifically meant for the transportation of building materials for the project.
“The temporary bridge which had been done is actually still here. The truck was not in motion and was trying to cross the bridge when the collapsing happened. This is not the official road, it is a working road for RDA to ferry their materials. The actual crossing point is on the other side,” he said.
“But we are happy that there is no loss of life, the driver is fine as it was just the weight of the copper on the truck that caused it to sink.”
The Commander further appealed to motorists to adhere strictly to the designated routes.
“We created two detours with RDA, one is about 9 km for motorists, and the 1 km route is strictly for RDA construction materials. This truck attempted a shortcut. Motorists must use the official detour because it is an all-weather road with good crossing points,” Lt Gen Solochi advised.
Meanwhile, RDA Acting Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eng Jairos Mhango who was also at the incident site reiterated that the situation was not caused by any fault in the infrastructure provided by RDA or ZNS, but by the truck attempting to use an internal construction route not meant for heavy traffic.
“This was not a fault of the agency, it was purely a mechanical problem. As RDA, we are putting up a permanent structure now at 40 percent completion and this structure will help motorists connect without any challenges as it will have a lasting longevity,” said Eng Mhango.
And Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Coordinator, Mr Norman Chipakupaku, dismissed circulating misinformation and commended the ongoing collaboration between ZNS and RDA.
“The video circulating is false. RDA and ZNS have done a great job. Whoever used the other route did so at their own risk. The official diversion is a perfect road which I inspected myself. There is no disaster here and no one has died,” he said.
Mr Chipakuku added that the route is a very important economic road, and both RDA and ZNS have executed their work diligently.
