Watch: a R3.9 billion bridge linking Durban to the Democratic Republic of the Congo comes to life
Jay Caboz , Business Insider SA Feb 25, 2020, 11:55 AM
• After almost 6 years, a major bridge is nearing completion which will connect Zambia and Botswana and ultimately link the port of Durban in South Africa to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• The R3.9 billion Kazungula bridge which is 923 metres long is a vital part of Africa’s North-South Corridor.
• The route is a notorious bottle neck for transport as commuters and freighters alike need to make their way across the river by ferry, the main mode of transport.
• It can take as long as 8 days for vehicles to cross the busy river.
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After almost 6 years, a major bridge is nearing completion which will connect Zambia and Botswana and ultimately the port of Durban in South Africa to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
By the end of 2020 the much anticipated R3.9 billion, 923 metre-long Kazungula bridge, which is a vital part of Africa’s North-South Corridor, is expected to be open to the public.
Located at the spot where the Chobe and the mighty Zambezi river meet, the bridge is a crucial logistical linkage for freight in and out of the copper belt, reported FTWonline.
The route is a notorious bottle neck for transport as commuters and freighters alike need to make their way across the river by ferry, the main mode of transport. According to African Development Bank (AfDB), which funded $51 million (R771 million) into the project, it can mean delays of up to 8 days, severely impacting on trade throughout the region. The remaining balance is shared between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (57.5%), governments (9.2%) and EU-ITF Grant (1.8%).
Kazungula bridge will include a single-line railway track, as well as a paved section for pedestrians to cross, reports The South African.
But while it has taken almost 6 years to build, the opening of the bridge is almost two years behind. The project was expected to be completed in 2018, however the project was brought to a halt when it was was alleged that Zambian government failed to meet loan repayments, reported FTWonline.
The bridge plays an important role for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to create 'One Stop Border Posts' at Kazungula; Nakonde/Tunduma which links the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia; and the Mwami/Mchinji which links Zambia and Malawi.
They have been funnelling billions into other critical infrastructure upgrades such as the new Walvis Bay Container Terminal in Namibia, and associated Dry Ports, rehabilitation and upgrading of critical sections of the Regional Trunk Road Networks in most regional corridors.
Topic: Kazungula Bridge (Read 1085 times)
