Lusaka — THE Government has restricted the number of mourners to attend the Church service and burial of President Mwanawasa.

And the Lusaka City Council (LCC) has said that some roads in the city will on Wednesday be closed to facilitate the funeral procession of Dr Mwanawasa.

Secretary to the Cabinet, Joshua Kanganja said in a statement yesterday that the number has been restricted to ensure an orderly and dignified Church service and burial of the late president, who died on August 19.

Dr Kanganja said that members of the public were therefore encouraged to stay home and watch the proceedings on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) television as the events would be transmitted live.

"In order to have an orderly, solemn and dignified Church service and burial, the number of mourners that can attend will necessarily be limited. Additionally, Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) will, where possible, screen the events from designated Halls in Lusaka Townships. The designated Halls will be announced later," he said.

"I wish to take this opportunity to urge members of the public who, because of space and other logistical reasons, will not be able to attend the Church service and burial to bear with Government and allow for a dignified burial of the late president," Dr Kanganja said.

Lusaka town clerk, Timothy Hakuyu said the roads to be closed include the Great East Road from Katima Mulilo round-about to Manda Hill Foot Bridge, Independence Avenue from Church Road junction to Nationalist Road junction and Haile Selasse from United Nations Road junction to high court turn-off.

Mr Hakuyu said that the other roads are Kwacha, Addis Ababa Drive and Chikwa.

He urged motorists to use alternative routes during the period of the procession and drive with caution.