24 Mar 08 Alliance Media donates life-saving bridge to Zambia
On the 18 March 2008, Zambia’s Minister of works, Hon. Kapembwa Simbao, MP, officially opened the new bridge in a televised national ceremony attended by Zambian ministers, dignitaries, government officials and members of the public. Alliance Media Zambia has constructed and installed a life-saving pedestrian bridge across the city’s busiest road, the Great East Road outside the University of Zambia. The bridge, now officially known as the ‘UNZA Bridge’ was the brainchild of Alliance Media Zambia as a result of the many deaths that were occurring as students cross the busy Great East Road, in order to attend lectures. Alliance Media entered into an agreement with the Government of Zambia whereby Alliance Media would construct and install the bridge at their cost and in return would receive the exclusive advertising rights on the bridge. Jennifer Kachabe, Alliance Media General Manager had this project approved by the Ministry, the Lusaka City Council, and the University of Zambia and in line with company policy to use local skilled suppliers, sourced local contractors to undertake the project which took over 14 months to complete. In a speech at the ceremony, Greg Benatar, Regional Director of Alliance Media stated that the workmanship was of excellent quality, comparable to that of any country, and the investment made by the company would not have been as important if it had not contracted local manufacturers to undertake the project. “Our contribution to Zambian society transcends donations of a capital nature, as we are actively involved in a skills transfer process in Zambia.” MTN Zambia was quick to take up the advertising opportunity to showcase their brand on this landmark yellow bridge which bears illuminated large format billboards on the inbound and outbound faces. Established over 10 years ago in Zambia, and part of the Alliance Media Group, Alliance Media Zambia is known as the country’s largest outdoor advertising player, having a nationwide holding of Billboards, Airport Advertising, Gantries, Bus Shelters and Suburb Signs. Media Bookings can be made directly with Alliance Media Zambia on zambia@alliancemedia.com or through the Africa division at Alliance Media South Africa on info@alliancemedia.com.