Kazungula bridge plans move forward

In a joint statement issued last week, Zambia minister of transport, works, supply and communications, Yamfwa Mukanga, and his Botswana counterpart, Nonofo Mohlefi, said that the US$259.3- million Kazungula bridge project, due to begin construction in July, would include the construction of a 23-metrelong by 18.5 -metre-wide rail and road bridge as well as two one-stop border posts, access roads and ramps across the Zambezi river. The Kazungula Bridge Project forms part of the North-South Corridor which links the mineral-rich regions of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Botswana and the Port of Durban. Mukanga said: “The bridge is of vital importance to the economic integration of the two countries as well as southern Africa as a whole.” He noted that the bridge would ensure the smooth flow of people, goods and services. A report by the Infrastructure Consortium for Africa (ICA) said a ferry which was constructed in 1979 was currently used to cross the border post. “When fully operational, the ferry can transport around 30 trucks per day. It is slow, prone to accidents and the delays can result in high transport costs. Therefore, there is full justification for the construction of the bridge,” stated the report. Alwyn Nel, managing director of Kingfisher Freight, told FTW that currently those using the Kazungula route experienced frustrating delays at the ferry. “Often our drivers have to wait for the water level to subside before they can proceed.” He said the construction of the bridge would have spinoffs, such as opening up the route and creating trade opportunities. “Furthermore, there will be opportunities for further infrastructure development,” he added. The managing director of a Zambianbased transport operator told FTW that the ferry station, where trucks often have to wait several days to cross the river, was not secure and there were often incidents of theft. “There are also the usual social problems that arise from a congregation of drivers in the area as they are delayed,” he commented. Truck drivers operating on the route were quoted by the Botswana Daily News as saying that they lose earnings if there is a delay at the ferry as they are paid per trip and not per day. The project is estimated to be completed within five years and is co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). According to the ICA appraisal report, the project will benefit businesses engaged in mining, agriculture and service sectors, which contribute 60-80% of the two countries’ gross domestic product (GDP). INSERT & CAPTION The opening of the bridge will create further trade opportunities and infrastructure development in and around the area. – Alwyn Nel