Construction of the Kasumbalesa One-Stop Border Post in Chililabombwe District has made steady progress, reaching about 30 percent completion.

Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo, who toured the site, said the project will significantly transform the Kasumbalesa border through modern infrastructure and a concrete parking facility for truck drivers.

Mr Matambo noted that the current environment at the border is not conducive, but the ongoing works will modernize the facility as promised by President Hakainde Hichilema.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of works, adding that the contractor has adequate machinery to complete the project.

He said once phase one is completed, the project will create employment opportunities for local people and deliver durable infrastructure that will last for many years.

“I should mention that the president, who is expected to visit the province, will commission the border post once completed,” Mr Matambo said.

Meanwhile, Zmart Project Manager Mwenda Silumell said the terminal building design is complete, with much of last year’s work focused on addressing truck parking challenges caused by waterlogging.

Mr Silumell revealed that upon completion, the facility will accommodate about 2,000 trucks, with 10 ablution blocks and nine canteens for drivers.

He explained that the border post will introduce upgraded features, including triple transshipment, enabling about 30 trucks to be transshipped simultaneously.

“Officers are expected to move into the new building by the end of May,” he said.

And Zambia Revenue Authority Border Facility Manager Nasa Lungu added that the new border post will include a fire station to enhance disaster preparedness.

He indicated that ZRA looks forward to operating from the new facility which will have improved systems and controls.