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Contrary to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s claim that the Zimbabwean government is also part of the Kazungula Bridge project, revelation has proved that the local government did not participate in the construction of the bridge.
The bridge does not pass through Zimbabwe and was built to bypass Zimbabwe while the country was never involved in the funding.
Mnangagwa made remarks on Wednesday that the bridge is owned by three countries during the commissioning of the Japan Aid project.
“During this month, I will be joining the Presidents of Botswana and Zambia at Kazungula, to commission the Kazungula Bridge.”
“ With the coming in of the New Dispensation, Zimbabwe came on board the project and the bridge is now owned by three countries,” he said.
However the claim are proving to be false Zimbabwe never funded the bridge and official communications in Botswana and Zambia never mention Zimbabwe
A press statement on the official opening of the Kazungula Bridge Project by the officials in Botswana revealed that the project involved two countries Zambia and Botswana while excluding Zimbabwe.
“The Ministry of Transport and Communications-Botswana is pleased to announce that the official opening of the Kazungula Bridge and one-stop border post facilities are scheduled for the 10th May 2021.”
Botswana mentions Zambia as the partner in construction while Zimbabwe has not been mentioned as Mnangagwa said it’s a three-country project.
“The Ministry of Transport and Communications applauds its strategic partner in this development, the Republic of Zambia for the successful completion of this magnificent project”, reads the statement.
Botswana added that The project is an indication of the flourishing bilateral relations, which the two countries have enjoyed over time.
According to the statement funding of the construction, supervision was awarded to the Kazungula Bridge Consultants-joint Venture.
“Package 1 funded by both Governments of Botswana and Zambia on 50% basis. The contract was awarded to Daewoo Engineering and Construction at an original sum of USD 161 961 304.84.”
“Government of the Republic of Zambia Package 2, One-Stop Border Post Botswana was funded by JICA exclusive of VAT while the Botswana Government funded the VAT component. “
The construction of the bridge over the mighty Zambezi River commenced in December 2014 and its associated works is expected to ease access to international markets.
Through connectivity with major seaports as well as contribute to maximizing the operational efficiency of the SADC north-south corridor and enhance regional economic integration.
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