Feasibility study looks at regional needs beyond 2015 LEONARD NEILL THE CAPRIVI Corridor, Namibia’s gateway to the vast copper and uranium resources in Zambia, can expect an upswing in cargo traffic following the signing of an agreement to promote trade between the two countries. Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) hosted a Zambian delegation led by Zambian president Levy Patrick Mwanawasa at the end of March which culminated in the signing of the agreement with Namport managing director Sebby Kankondi. “Walvis Bay is the ideal exit point for these mineral resources, while there is also great opportunity to expand trade in the region in general. It will grow the economies of both nations,” said Kankondi. “We have and will continue to develop this market by creating synergies, alliances and joint ventures with the relevant Zambian stakeholders. Two years ago we established an office in Lusaka to accelerate the flow of cargo between the Zambian hinterland and the port of Walvis Bay, which has run smoothly since the completion of the Sesheke Bridge across the Caprivi river. “Namport is driven by the desire to provide our neighbours with access and gateway port facilities which are closer to the transatlantic markets than any other port in the region.” The visit coincided with the completion of a feasibility study aimed at guiding the development of the Port of Walvis Bay to cater for the increasing shipping needs of the region beyond 2 015. The study forms the initial stage of the capital injection of R500m which will be pumped into the port over a five year period to bring the facilities into line with the best in the shipping world, says Namport’s manager, marketing and strategic business Jerome Mouton. “The Caprivi Corridor has enjoyed continued growth in business since it was opened four years ago, and this latest visit is destined to increase it tremendously. Never forget the fact that money spent in our harbours is not meant merely to upgrade facilities, but to remain ahead of Southern Africa’s needs. “It has always been Namport’s stated intention to invest in anticipation of need rather than wait until it is forced into improvement, as has been the case in South Africa where billions are now being pumped into harbours to redress the position where many of the facilities have deteriorated in the past 2 0 years.”
