The planned Kazungula Bridge, which is being built by the Botswana and Zambian governments, is behind the schedule.

The 1, 4 million Pula (R1.9 million) project was launched on October 12, 2014 and is expected to facilitate trade and tourism development in the Zambezi and SADC area. The bridge will be 923m long and 18,5m wide, extending over the Zambezi River and linking Zambia to Botswana, replacing the existing ferry in the area. It is financed by African Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency and contributions from the two governments.

Alfred Shamukuni, Kasane Roads Depot Technical Officer told Tourism Update that the project is behind schedule as the contractor, Daewoo Engineering Company, experienced delays in equipment delivery. 

Shamukuni said the setup of the temporary bridge will be finished end of June which is when the bridge construction can start. However, he explained that spots where the real bridge pillars would be sunk have been identified.

The contractor is undertaking a catch-up plan to make sure the bridge is completed by 2018 as planned without extra costs, said Shamukuni. He said once finished the bridge will move goods, services and tourists between the two countries.