02 Nov 2020

The Mohembo bridge project contractor has been commended for fast-tracking the project despite the challenges encountered.

Speaking after touring the project recently, Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Thulagano Segokgo said being 80 per cent complete meant the contractor doubled efforts despite experiencing delays and challenges in sourcing materials.

The project, expected to be completed in May 2021, is being undertaken by Italy’s Itinera and Cimolai joint venture as contractor while the supervising consultant is CPP Botswana.

“We can see now that he is working towards the end of the project as the bridge decks and suspension stay cables have been installed. Only minor works such as the construction of access roads joining villages remain and we are hopeful that he will finish on time,” he added.

Mr Segokgo encouraged the contractor to increase speed even more as the community had long waited for the project’s  completion.

The project, he said, would make accessing of services easier  by reducing crossing time and connect villages east of the river with the rest of the country.

Minister Segokgo said the pontoon service currently in use was unreliable due to unfavourable weather conditions and restricted working hours.

The minister was accompanied by the assistant minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi who said the project would attract foreign investment.

He said his ministry was part of the project as its mandate was to facilitate trade, grow the economy and attract investors.

The project would not only attract foreign investment but would also benefit sectors such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and the film industry, he said.

Mr Molebatsi stressed the need for good infrastructure to stimulate economic growth adding; “we cannot talk about tourism, agriculture, trade when we do not have good roads infrastructure” .

He said government was making efforts to open up trade in Africa and as such the project would be a gateway to the continent.

In addition,  Mr Molebatsi said the project would enhance economic activity in the Okavango area and provide opportunities for tourism expansion.

“The bridge will bring a lot of value to Shakawe and Mohembo villages as well as to the rest of the region and the country at large. I believe the design has also catered for small entrepreneurs,” he said.

Okavango MP, Mr Kenny Kapinga thanked government for undertaking a project of such magnitude in the area.

He said the bridge would also unlock the economic potential of the whole area.

The project, he said,  was an indication that government took note of people’s needs.

Earlier, senior resident engineer, Mr Veeranagowda Patel had said his company had managed to address all the challenges it faced.

Overall progress stands at 80.4 per cent while the revised completion date is 25 May 2021.    

Foundation works were complete while superstructure works were ongoing.

Mr Patel assured his audience that the project would be completed as per the revised completion date. ENDS