24 Sep 2018

An engineer at the Kazungula Bridge, Mr Kobamelo Kgoboko says the contractor has overcome a lot of the challenges that hindered progress of the ongoing construction of the multi-million Pula project.

He said the large magnitude project experienced a number of challenges including mobilising of resources and materials; finding skilled manpower and acquisition of borrow pits on the Botswana side and delays in paying the contractor.

The engineer revealed this to the acting president, Mr Slumber Tsogwane and his entourage during a visit to appreciate the project’s progress.

He said the contractor got most of the materials, such as sand, from the Zambian side as in Botswana the material was of low quality, adding that they also had a challenge in the beginning as the contractor failed to meet specifications and thus consumed a bit of time.

Mr Kgoboko admitted that the project was behind schedule, but appreciated that there is a lot of progress, citing that 200 metres of the bridge was complete.

Earlier, the project manager, Mr Pius Seone said they had seen remarkable progress, explaining that the bilateral project between Zambia and Botswana had three packages, which include the construction of one stop border post facilities in both countries and construction of a 923-metre long rail/road.

He said they expected to complete the facilities in Botswana by November this year, but stated that they might experience delays as they the rainy season is approaching, which would result in the completion being February.

Mr Seone also revealed that they intended to establish monument rooms in both countries, which would tell the story of the state of the bridge to make tourists appreciate its history.

He said they had submitted a proposal on the matter and are awaiting approval.

Mr Tsogwane expressed happiness that the contractor had overcome most of the challenges, which he said gave them hope that the project would be delivered on time.

He also appreciated the positive progress and encouraged the contractor to double his efforts and ensure the project benefits the two countries.

The bridge, whose construction commenced in 2016, is expected to open up the transport corridors between Botswana and Zambia and to improve border management operations arising from the new one stop border facilities.

The project will also contribute in boosting the regional economy in many ways. ENDS