By Arnold Tutu
A section of the eastbound lane of the Great East Road has collapsed following heavy rainfall experienced in the early hours of today.
The incident occurred at Mvuwa Stream, approximately 38 kilometres from Luangwa Bridge in the direction of Nyimba Town, after erosion damaged the embankment supporting an Armco steel pipe culvert.
Road Development Agency –RDA- Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager ANTHONY MULOWA says the collapse has disrupted traffic flow on the busy highway linking Lusaka to Eastern Province.
Mr. MULOWA says traffic at the affected location has been restricted to the westbound lane as a safety measure while repair works continue.
He told ZNBC news in a statement that a technical team has been dispatched to the site and rehabilitation works are already underway.
Mr. MULOWA said the damaged section of the road is expected to be fully restored within the next three days, weather permitting.
He has advised motorists using the Great East Road to drive with caution, comply with traffic control measures and cooperate with personnel on site.
Mr. MULOWA said the agency regrets the inconvenience caused and has thanked road users for their patience and cooperation as efforts continue to restore normal traffic flow and ensure road safety.
