Richard Muponde, Gwanda Correspondent
ZIMBABWE and Botswana will jointly construct a 120 metre bridge across Shashe River in Gwanda South at the new Mlambapheli Border Post which links the two neighbouring countries.

Briefing villagers on progress made at the border post during the commissioning of Mlambapheli Bridge in Halisupi on Tuesday, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Dr Joram Gumbo, said they were going to meet their counterparts on the issue.

“As you are aware the bridge will be constructed by the two countries, Zimbabwe and Botswana. We are going to meet and discuss the issue. The bridge is not going to be built by one country but both of us. As it stands we are not yet aware how much it will cost as we are still to engage each other,” said Dr Gumbo.

He said despite the economic challenges facing the country, government was committed to constructing the bridge.

“We want people of this area to easily access Botswana. That will also improve the economic welfare of the people here. As government we are committed to seeing the project becoming a success,” he said.

Dr Gumbo also urged people from Gwanda South to apply for passports and desist from crossing the border illegally.

“As I speak I am told Botswana is mooting erecting a fence on its side so that people from this side don’t enter their country illegally. I urge you to apply for passports so that you get unhindered access to that country,” he said.

The construction of the bridge will come as a relief as travellers faced difficulties in crossing the border in the last rainy season as Shashe River was flooded, forcing the border to be temporarily closed.

—@richardmuponde

 

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