HC Deb 19 July 1926 vol 198 c870
16. Viscount SANDON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether all-weather motor road communication is now being established between Northern Rhodesia and Lake Tanganyika; if so, what is the route; what are to he the terminal points at both ends; how much it is to cost; how it is being financed; what is the expected date of its completion; and whether branch communication of a similar nature is being tapped on to it from Lake Nyassa or from Nyassaland?

Mr. AMERY

If my hon. Friend refers to communication between the Lake and the Rhodesian Railway, I may say that it is proposed to improve the existing dry-weather road from Kashitu via Mpika and Kasama to Abercorn, and to extend it to the Lake. My right hon. Friend has not yet received detailed estimates of cost or time of construction, but the former will probably be about £20,000, which it is desired to borrow under the proposed guaranteed loan. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Viscount SANDON

Is it not possible to make it an "all-weather' road?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, Sir; I think that is the object.

Viscount SANDON

But I understood the right hon. Gentleman to say a "dry-weather" road?

Mr. THURILE

Will the owners of the land adjoining this road be asked to pay towards this expense?

Mr. AMERY

I think the land is in private or native ownership along the length of the road.

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