THE Road Development Agency (RDA) has awarded a contract to Inyatsi Roads Zambia limited for the rehabilitation of 40km of selected urban roads in Livingstone valued at over K118 billion.

RDA director and Chief Executive Officer Bernard Chiwala said rehabilitation of the roads would pave way for the successful hosting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly in 2013 in Livingstone.

Zambia and Zimbabwe would co-host the world's biggest tourism assembly in August next yaer with over 4, 000 participants expected to attend from 180 member countries.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Chiwala said Inyasti Roads Zambia limited had been awarded the contract to rehabilitate selected urban roads in eight months.

"The contract is valued at K118, 441, 533, 940.84 with a completion period of eight months. The work includes pothole patching and repair of unstabliised gravel sub-base," he said.

Other scope were stabilised gravel base, asphalt surfacing, double seals, culverts or open lined drains, road furniture installation, resurfacing and re-construction of selected roads.

Mr Chiwala said the tender was opened to shortlisted contractors registered in Zambia with the National Council for Construction (NCC) in category R, Grades 1 and 2.

The contractors were China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic and Technical Corporation, China Geo Engineering Corporation, and Jizan Construction limited.

Others are Inyatsi Roads Zambia Limited, Teichmann Zambia limited and Raubex Construction limited.

He said when RDA evaluated the contract, Inyasti Roads Zambia limited produced the best evaluated bid.

Inyatsi Roads Zambia limited director Michelo Shakantu assured that his company would carry out quality road works.

"We will ensure that we bring in a quality product and ensure that we deliver a good product due to the big event (UNWTO) that will be taking place in Livingstone," Mr Shabantu said.