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Business Editor

ALL is set for the official opening next week Monday of the Kazungula Bridge that links Botswana and Zambia as well as One Stop Border Post facilities.

The new bridge 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.

Freight and passengers transit time is also projected to be significantly reduced due to improved border management operations arising from the One Stop Border facilities.

An areil view of the Kazungula bridge

The construction of the bridge over the Mighty Zambezi River, commenced in December 2014 and the final inspection was undertaken by the Botswana Minister of Transport and Communications, Thulagano Merafe Segokgo and his Zambian counterpart, Vincent Mwale, in October 2020.

The government of Botswana announced the official opening dates in a press statement that was shared on its twitter at the weekend.

“The Ministry of Transport and Communications is pleased to announce that the official opening of the Kazungula Bridge and one stop border post facilities is scheduled for 10/5/2021,” it said.

“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,” said the Botswana government.

“The project is an indication of the flourishing bilateral relations, which the two countries have enjoyed over time.

“The Ministry further extends its gratitude to the co-funders, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), African Development Bank (AfDB),…and other major stakeholders for contributing enormously to ensure the project is realized.”

Following the devastating impacts of Covid-19, the Botswana government said the Kazungula Bridge was expected to enhance the prospects of attracting more private sector investment, boost the tourism sector and contribute to advancement of the quality of life of the communities in the region.