Gaborone: The five day technical launch of the Kazungula Bridge Project held in Lusaka, Zambia from the 28th May to the 1st June, 2012 has revealed that the construction of the Kazungula Bridge and associated facilities is fast becoming a reality. The launch event provided a platform for the Kazungula Bridge project team and relevant stakeholders to acquire first-hand knowledge on procurement and disbursement procedures by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and African Development Bank (AfDB) for the purposes of acquiring the services, goods and works for the project.
The launch event also provided an opportunity for participants to update themselves on developments of the project. The project will have as its output the bridge, access roads and one stop border facilities. Ultimately, the development will result into a regional transport corridor that will offer opportunities for commercial activities.
The project will also provide equal opportunity for our local construction industry to thrive and Batswana contractors need to brace themselves for the opportunities ahead.
The development of a one stop border post will not only ease difficulties experienced by the travellers but will facilitate trade between Botswana and its SADC neighbours. Importantly, it will help generate the much needed Foreign Direct Investment for Botswana.
To mitigate adverse environmental issues that are likely to arise during construction a robust Environmental Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been developed. This will have to be monitored carefully so that the communities in the vicinity are not adversely affected.
Both the Government of the Republic of Botswana and the Republic of Zambia have identified and negotiated loan agreements with JICA and AfDB for the development of the Kazungula Bridge Project.
A Sponsors Agreement was signed in Gaborone on the 30th March, 2012 to signify the commitment of the Member States for the funding and development of the Kazungula Bridge and associated facilities.
