12 Dec 2016

Mohembo bridge project, which will cost over P1 billion, has been awarded to two Italian companies.

This was revealed during the stakeholder meeting in Shakawe by the surpevising consultant and managing director of CPP Botswana, Mr Kobamelo Kgoboko.

He said the companies, which are ITENIRA in joint venture with CIMOLAI, were expected to complete the project on July 7, 2019.

Mr Kgoboko said the project, which will cost P 1,045,510,751.77 would start with the mibilising process.

The Mohembo bridge design, which is 1 161metres long, would add value to the Okavango sub-district and also complement regional tourism activities.

Mr Kgoboko noted that the project blended well with nature and environment.

He also said they had done everything they could so that they could protect the delta and also comply with requirements of the Ramsar Convention, an inter-governmental treaty that provided the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

 On another note, he said, the bridge would create employment and would bring business opportunities to the Okavango district.

He also noted that they were at the finalising stage of compensating those who would be affected by the construction of the bridge.

A representative from ITINERA, Mr Alex De Col said they were delighted to have been given an opportunity as it was the first time in the region.

He said the two companies are skilled in construction and have been working around the world. He said they were also happy to work with other companies and engineers in the country.

 Mr De Col said already they have asked for quotations and profiles from engineers in the country to select those they will be willing to work with.

One of Shakawe elders Kgosi Mutemo Mbambo in an interview described the bridge as a big light for Okavango.

He said the bridge will bring business opportunities to the Okavango.

He said the moment they have been waiting for finally has arrived and they were happy about the development.

Kgosi Mbambo noted that it would not only benefit Botswana, but Africa and other countries as a whole.

He said the bridge was a gateway to Chobe and other areas. He also said it will also help reduce poverty rate in the district.  ENDS