Journey To Solwezi
This entry is about: Zambia

In June 2006, I went to Solwezi on a mission to see the business opportunities there. I was actually doing a favour to my friend.

All was well for the journey. Got permission to be away from work for three days. I left work in good time so that I manage to get to Lusaka before dusk. I asked my friend to get me a ticket to Solwezi in advance.

Well, as you might know chikuni is in a rural area, transport to the nearest town is hard to come by, especially when you are in a hurry. I was at the taxi station for almost three hours. Luckily there was a friend with me and finally we decided to walk the Great North Road in Chisekesi. This is an 11km walk. Within no time we were in Chisekesi. I got to know more about my friend's background and the struggles he has been through. He had a tough time as a refugee from Angola.

I was in Monze after 6pm. Got on a bus to Lusaka, or at least we were heading there. Unfortunately, as Zambia is crippled with fuel shortages more often, our bus was hoping to refuel in Mazabuka. Oh no, there was no fuel in Mazabuka. This meant that we could not proceed to Lusaka as it would be too risky to drive and then come to a complete stop somewhere in the bushes. We could not risk being attacked by chancers who want traffic accidents so that they get what they want.

My bus from Lusaka to Solwezi was scheduled for 5am, and it was now almost midnight and still in Mazabuka. I was the only one that was beating the deadline. The others in the bus didn't mind spending the night in the bus. I just couldn't get any sleep. I had to get to Lusaka, but how? I was just praying and hoping for an early bus from Livingstone. Around 5:07am, I managed to jump on another bus to Lusaka. As if the driver knew that I had a bus to catch, he drove fast - I didn't mind the speed. Luck was on my side when I reached Lusaka and found that the bus we were supposed to use for Solwezi had a problem and as such were getting another bus. The faulty bus was working at my advantage as it delayed departure giving me time to get to Lusaka. I was in time to get on the bus and to be moved to another better bus.

Eight hours later I was in Solwezi, very fatigued. My friend was waiting for me at the Solwezi Bus Station and WOW, everyone was busy making money. Just imagine a store in a car! Just opening up the doors and putting the commodities on sale on the seats. People are serious with business in Solwezi and the town is surely growing.

There seems to be no much orderliness and the local authority needs to bring sanity to the little town. Business is conducted and anywhere and everywhere.

My trip back was very fine and I enjoyed Solwezi. Hope to go back there soon, when I have enough time.