The Government of the Republic of Zambia has a deliberate policy to improve the transport and logistics sector in the country. This includes rail, road, mairtime, and air transport. Since 2021, the New Dawn administration has invested heavily in improving the transport sector through the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

           In maritime transport, the Ministry has built harbours in Samfya and Nchelenge districts in Luapula Province at a cost of K30 million each. Currently, the Ministry is scheduled to build harbours in Sinazongwe, Chipepo, and Siavonga on the banks of Kariba Dam in Southern Province. From 9^th to 13^th March 2026, Ministry of Transport and Logistics Permanent Secretary Eng. Fredrick Mwalusaka toured the three sites where harbours are earmarked for construction.

            In October 2024, Government signed a contract with Archnicks Architects and Landscape Designs, in joint venture with Bari Zambia Limited, for the provision of consultancy services to undertake feasibility studies and prepare detailed engineering designs for the development of harbour infrastructure at Siavonga, Chipepo, and Sinazongwe. The contract was awarded at a total sum of K5.3 million.

            The consultancy assignment includes preparation and submission of the following key deliverables:

• Inception Report
• Environmental Project Briefs
• Preliminary Engineering Designs
• Detailed Engineering Designs
• Bidding Documents

             To date, the consultants have completed approximately 60 per cent of the assignment, having successfully submitted the Inception Report, Environmental Project Briefs, and Preliminary Engineering Designs. The remaining tasks include preparation of Detailed Engineering Designs and Bidding Documents.

Eng. Mwalusaka was accompanied by his Southern Province counterpart Dr Namani Monze to all the three places.

             Government initiated a project to modernise harbour infrastructure at Siavonga, Chipepo, and Sinazongwe along Lake Kariba. The initiative recognises the significant potential of inland water transport in promoting economic growth, improving trade connectivity, and strengthening tourism development. The project aims to enhance transport efficiency while supporting environmental sustainability and improving the livelihoods of communities located along the lake.

              The project also aims to deliver significant social benefits, including:

• Creation of approximately 500 short-term jobs and over 200 long-term employment opportunities.
• Promotion of women’s participation and youth employment.
• Local capacity building and community empowerment.
• Improved mobility and access to services for remote communities.
• Incorporation of local cultural heritage and traditional design elements.