LUSAKA, May 14 (Xinhua) -- China's Avic International will commence construction of township roads in Zambia's Chongwe district in Lusaka Province, a government official said on Tuesday.

Japhen Mwakalombe, lawmaker of Chongwe constituency, said the construction of township roads in the district will commence in the next few weeks and that the Chinese firm will do five kilometers of roads.

He said the roads which are gravel will be upgraded to bituminous standard.

"This is a momentous achievement which will change the face of the district," he said.

Evans M'hambi, deputy mayor of the district, described the development as a milestone, adding that many of the roads in the district have been below standard for a long time.

"This is a great milestone in the history of the district. Our roads in the central ward that houses major government offices and institutions have been below standard for a long time," he said.

According to him, the development will help beautify the district and ease movement of goods and services.

The road construction project, he said, will also provide employment to local people in the district.

"AVIC International has successfully completed a number of projects across the country and we are confident that this project will be another success," said Anne Kachepa, a local resident.