Road Development Agency
The Road Development Agency (RDA) is a statutory body of the Government of Zambia established under the Road Development Agency Act No. 12 of 2002.
RDA is mandated to manage and develop the national road network of Zambia. Under the oversight of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, RDA ensures a sustainable, safe and cost-effective road infrastructure that supports national economic development and connects communities across all ten provinces.
Our Reach Across Zambia
67,000+
km of classified roads
10
All provinces covered
3,000+
Structures managed
2002
Act No. 12 of 2002
Background & Overview
The RDA was established under the Public Roads Act No. 12 of 2002. The Agency became operational in 2006 and its mandate as provided for by the Act is to provide for the care, maintenance and construction of public roads in Zambia; to regulate maximum weights permissible for transmission on roads among other things.
RDA remains resolved and determined to oversee the completion of all key infrastructure projects such as the Link Zambia 8000, Pave Zambia 200, Improved Rural Connectivity Project (IRCP), National Road Tolling Programme (NRTP), and other major projects with a focused approach and renewed vigor as set forth in the Strategic Plan in its quest to transform the nation into a truly land-linked country.
Further, the Tolls Act No. 14 of 2011 bestows the mandate to implement the National Road Tolling Programme (NRTP). The Tolls Act provides for the management of toll roads, private sector participation in the tolling of roads including appointing toll collecting agents, among others.
In executing its mandate, the Agency takes the leading role in the development and execution of the Road Sector Annual Work Plan (RSAWP) in collaboration with other Road Sector institutions, like the NRFA and the RTSA.
Establishment
RDA established under the Public Roads Act No. 12 of 2002, taking over road development functions from the Ministry of Works.
Link Zambia 8,000 Programme
RDA assumes lead role in the ambitious programme to rehabilitate and upgrade 8,000 km of roads across Zambia.
ROADSIP II Completion
Successful conclusion of the Road Sector Investment Programme II, delivering major improvements to trunk, main and district roads.
Strategic Plan 2022–2026
Launch of the new strategic plan anchored on network expansion, maintenance excellence and institutional strengthening.
Functions of the RDA
The mandate of the RDA is highlighted in Section 4(2) of the Public Road Act of 2002 as amended by Act No. 9 of 2022.
- a)Carrying out routine and emergency maintenance of public roads;
- b)Conducting feasibility studies for the development, maintenance and improvement of the road network in Zambia;
- c)Recommending to the Minister the appointment of any person or institution as a road authority as well as providing technical assistance to road authorities;
- d)Receiving and considering reports from road authorities on their activities and preparing quarterly and consolidated annual reports;
- e)Preparing and reviewing terms of reference and guidelines for road authorities including budget guidelines;
- f)Making recommendations in relation to siting of buildings on road-sides;
- g)In consultation with the National Road Fund Agency, recommending to the Minister for funding for development of new roads;
- h)In consultation with the owners of property served by an estate road and the National Road Fund Agency, determining the proportion of the cost of construction and maintaining an estate road to be borne by such owners;
- i)Preparing and awarding contracts and certifying works for public roads;
- j)Reviewing design standards and classification of roads and traffic signs;
- k)Planning and co-ordinating the road network in the country;
- l)Enforcing axle load control (Vehicle load management); and
- m)Carrying out any other activities relating to roads which are necessary or conducive to the performance of its functions under the Act.
In addition, the Tolls Act No. 14 of 2011 mandates the Agency to:
- a)Regulate the operation and maintenance of toll roads;
- b)Monitor compliance of concessionaires with the terms and conditions of concession agreements;
- c)Advise the Minister on the design, construction, safety, regulation, operation and maintenance of toll roads; and
- d)Perform such other function as may be conferred by, or under, this Act or any other law.
Oversight & Accountability
RDA operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development and is accountable to the Zambian public through Parliament.
The Agency is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister, and managed day-to-day by a professional management team headed by the Director General.
Infrastructure, Housing & Urban Development
National Road Fund Agency (NRFA)
Road Transport & Safety Agency (RTSA)
Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA)
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Opportunities
Explore current tender opportunities for consultancy, construction, goods & services, and routine maintenance contracts.
Explore Annual Work Plans
Discover ongoing and planned road development projects across all provinces of Zambia.