27 Sep 2020

Construction of the Okavango River bridge  at  Mohembo is projected to complete next May, almost two years behind schedule.

The project commenced November 8, 2016 with an original completion date of July 7 last year.

Briefing Vice President Slumber Tsogwane on progress during a tour recently, senior resident engineer, Mr Veeranagowda Patel said the project was currently 79 per cent complete.

He said most of the main items were done and that erection of a flyover across the river would commence in a few days.

Mr Patel said setbacks were encountered during lockdown due to delays experienced in procuring some materials from outside the country.

Commenting, Mr Tsogwane pointed out that bridge was one of the biggest projects that government had planned to undertake a long time ago, but was postponed because of budgetary constraints.

He said completion of the bridge would see effortless access to villages as well as improved tourism activities in the area.

Mr Tsogwane encouraged communities to take good care of projects after completion.

“After completion of any project in the country, it is important that people have ownership of such and take good care of them,” he said.

The project encompasses construction of a 400-metre long cable stayed bridge over the main channel, a 761-metre steel girder bridge with concrete slab and pedestrian walkways.

It also includes electrical installation and reticulation over the bridge, construction of approximately  3km bitumen standard approach road and associated storm water drainage works.

The final works will include electrical installation and reticulation to the 1.161km long bridge and street lighting along the 3km approach road. Ends