Zambia has approved the construction of a new bridge on the Luangwa River to boost trade through the Nacala Corridor with East Africa.
According to a statement from the Zambian government on Thursday, the project will cost around $144 million, with Zambia contributing over $75 million and an estimated $68 million coming from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Government spokeswoman, Chushi Kasanda believes the construction of the new bridge will increase traffic capacity in the Nacala Corridor to facilitate distribution of goods and movement as well as contribute to the economic growth and industrial revitalization of the country and its neighboring countries.
The Nacala Corridor runs from Zambia’s capital Lusaka through Malawi and Mozambique, where it connects to the port city of Nacala, and has been key for socioeconomic integration of the three countries.
Made in 1968, the existing bridge over the Luangwa River has been in use for more than 50 years, but is increasingly becoming an impediment in smooth flow of traffic on the Great East Road which is Zambia’s gateway to East Africa.
