National Assembly has reaffirmed its support to strengthening partnerships aimed at improving rural connectivity and access through bridge infrastructure, in collaboration with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) and other international development agencies.

Speaking during the meeting with Bridges to Prosperity on Tuesday 21^st October 2025, at Parliament Buildings, the First Deputy Speaker of National Assembly, Hon Malungo A Chisangano, MP, highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts to address rural isolation by prioritising infrastructure that links communities to essential services such as health care, education, and markets.

Hon Chisangano commended Bridges to Prosperity for its work in connecting rural communities through bridges, noting that such initiatives support Zambia’s national economic and development goals. “Access to essential services is vital for achieving national growth and empowering rural communities,” she said.

She further emphasised the need for collaboration between Parliament, local authorities and the Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) to ensure that the 7.5 million rural Zambians currently disconnected from basic services are included in national planning and budgeting processes.

Meanwhile, the Country Director for Bridges to Prosperity Zambia, Ms Nachilila Nkombo said Bridges to Prosperity Zambia is a dedicated partner to National Assembly in advancing its agenda on infrastructure development, rural transformation and decentralisation.

“Our interventions are aligned with the aspirations of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), and Vision 2030, both of which underscore the importance of inclusive growth, equitable access and climate-resilient infrastructure. In this regard we are supporting the government’s effort to ensure that no community is left behind due to lack of safe and reliable access,” she said.

Itezhi-tezhi Member of Parliament, who is also Co-Chairperson for Zambian Parliamentarian Caucus on Environment and Climate Change (ZPCECC), Hon Mutinta Twaambo expressed gratitude to the parliamentary caucus for liaising with Bridges to Prosperity and effectively connecting the legislature with development partners. He also revealed that many MPs, including himself, are direct beneficiaries of bridge projects funded under the partnership.

“Many of our constituencies have bridges that have never been worked on since independence,” he said. “For example, I have 13 bridges in my area that have not been worked on for years. This partnership gives us hope that these long-standing challenges will finally be addressed,” he said.

Mr Twaambo who also serves on the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government, disclosed that bridge construction has historically received limited funding in national budgets, urging for greater financial prioritisation. He stressed that rural access must be considered a foundation for all other forms of development.

“It is difficult to build schools, courts or hospitals in areas that are not accessible,” he explained. “Infrastructure development must begin with access because without access, development stops.”

He also extended an invitation to Madam First Deputy Speaker and Members of Parliament to visit the newly constructed bridge in Itezhi-tezhi early December, 2025 to witness its impact during the rainy season which was constructed with the help of Bridges to Prosperity.