Construction of the Kazungula bridge across the Zambezi river is set to commence by March next year.
The bridge, which will cost two hundred and sixty million United States Dollars, will link Zambia and Botswana at Kazungula and is expected to be commissioned in 2018.
ZNBC’s Elias Lungu reports that this was announced during a joint meeting of Zambia’s Transport, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga and his Botswana counterpart Nonofo Molefhi in Kasane, Botswana on Monday.
Mr. Mukanga says the two countries have set the bridge project as a priority because of the economic value it has for the Southern African region. He says the Kazungula bridge project is important for the integration of the SADC region.
Mr. Mukanga says a tender has been advertised for a contractor to build infrastructure where the villagers who will displaced by construction works will be relocated.
And Mr. Molefhi says the Kazungula Bridge project should not be delayed any further. The Minister said the project must be delivered within the projected timeframe and budget.
The Africa Development Bank and Japan International Development Agency are providing technical support to the project.