Samfya Harbour is back to life

Following the decentralisation policy of devolving functions to Local Authorities, Government disbersed Thirty Millionn Kweacha (K30,000,000.00) to Samfya Town Council towards development of harbour infrastructure at Bangweulu Water Transport. The project involved the following:

• Completion of a 24m-metre Landing Jetty, rehabilitation of a Retaining Wall and Embankment, construction of a Stepped Stone Masonry Sand View Terrace, Main Approach Road, Pathways, and a Carpark at Bangweulu Water Transport. The project is currently standing at 99% completion.

• Completion of an executive lodge and kitchen/dinning hall which was completed and is in defect liability period at a contract sum of K1.8 million, being done by Kalumn Investments Limited at a contract sum of One Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty-Five Kwacha Eighty Ngwee (1,361,285.80) and is currently at 100% complete.

• Rehabilitation of boundary wall fence, completion of one (1) guardroom, installation of electrical installation, water reticulation and soil drainage and is currently at 95% complete.

The project aims to improve inland water transport infrastructure on Lake Bangweulu, which is critical for the movement of people, goods, and services. It is expected to:

• • Facilitate safer and more efficient docking and loading operations.
  • Promote tourism and economic activity in Samfya District.
  • Improve connectivity between islands and mainland communities.
  • Support the Government’s rural development and transport integration agenda.

The works are at an advanced stage of 98% completion. Key structural components such as the retaining wall, embankment, and main jetty structure have largely been completed. Construction of the car park, pathways, and approach road are nearing completion. The project has created local employment opportunities and has engaged local suppliers where feasible. Once fully completed, the facility will enhance Samfya’s profile as a regional transport and tourism hub.

The Samfya Landing Jetty is a strategic investment that supports Zambia’s broader Transport and Logistics Transformation Agenda. Once commissioned, it will stimulate economic growth, enhance lake transport safety, and promote tourism in Luapula Province.

On 3^rd November, 2025, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Museba Frank Tayali, visited the harbour to check on progress made so far in the rehabilitation works. He expressed happiness with the quality of work done so far. Hon. Tayali emphasized Government’s desire to improve the transport and logistics sectors in the country. He said every resource necessary will be mobilised to ensure that the country’s transport sector is modernised and that all communities are interlinked. Works on the Samfya Harbour were expected to be 100 % complete by 7^th November, 2025.