04 Oct 2023

While the Okavango community celebrates the recent international recognition of the newly constructed Okavango River Bridge, they have been advised to maintain the structure to ensure it continues shining as it is for years to come. 

Completed in 2022, the bridge project was given an award of merit by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) through the Gaborone renowned CCP Botswana Consultancy, which picked the project to enter the competition at the just-ended Global Infrastructure Conference in Singapore. 

CCP Botswana Consultancy, which is affiliated to FIDIC, did the initial pre-feasibility study of the bridge in 2004, detailed design as well as the overall supervision of the construction of the project, which is a travel destination in its own right. 

In an interview with the managing director of CCP Botswana Consultancy, Mr Kobamelo Kgoboko, he said the award would attract more attention and implored the community to jealously look after the bridge to preserve its natural beauty. 

He said the ward was an indication that the structure was one of the best and beautiful projects in the world, which had now become a tourism attraction site. 

Currently the project is still under maintenance period, but he expressed a concern that while people appreciate the structure, they tend to concentrate much on its beauty and end up knocking off streetlights. 

He appealed to the relevant authority to ensure proper maintenance of the project once the maintenance period elapses, adding that they should keep the bridge clean all the time. 

“This award means a lot to us as a company and as a nation more so that it was the first in the country and the region. It has put us quite high as far as consultancy engineering is concerned because it means we have done an excellent job,” he added. 

Mr Kgoboko gave credit to the contractor for a job well done in workmanship. 

He noted that out of the 67 companies that entered the competition, their company was selected amongst the 30 that were shortlisted for the award. 

He also called on the community to appreciate that the recognition of the bridge globally would enhance the tourism industry, indicating that many travellers would be interested to visit the place to see the structure. 

The bridge has added value to the tourism package in the Okavango District, which prides itself in the Tsodilo Hills, Gxcwihaba Caves, and the mighty Okavango Delta World Heritage Site. 

He is of the view that the award will also stimulate domestic tourism, as many locals would love to visit the area and appreciate its beauty. 

He said the bridge offered stunning and diverse scenery as it was situated in a place for anyone to capture the beauty of nature with their camera. 

Some photographic opportunities include the sunsets and sunrises, mekoro excursions through lagoons, wildlife and the landscape, among others. 

“We expect more Batswana to start planning trips to visit the area and enjoy a range of activities and create memorable experiences,” he added. 

Mr Kgoboko is, however, of the view that the award would also motivate aspiring and current engineers to ensure that their projects met the required standards to be recognised internationally, adding that they would also appreciate that consultancy engineering could be rewarding. 

Meanwhile, the bridge will ease transportation for residents of Okavango, who have been relying on a ferryboat for decades. 

Residents used to spend nights by the river while the ferryboat experienced breakdowns, but they can now cross the river anytime. ends