Lungu guns for support ahead of polls
As Botswana and Zambia open Kazungula Bridge
President Edgar Lungu of Zambia seized the moment and possibly broke diplomatic protocols when he campaigned for himself at the commissioning of the multibillion Pula Kazungula Bridge and One Stop Border Post ( OSBP).
Addressing guests at the official opening of the new Kazungula Bridge this week, Lungu took the opportunity to ensure he garners enough votes to retain the presidency ahead of his country’s general election due in three months time. The Zambian general election are set for 12th August 2021 where Lungu and his Patriotic Front are seeking re- election. They are challenged by the re- energised former and first ruling party of President Kenneth Kaunda now led by clergyman, former Anglican church
Bishop of Botswana, Trevor Mwamba.
Addressing his invited guests as a co- host at the commissioning of the state of the art Kazungula Bridge and OSBP in Kazungula on the Zambian side, Lungu said: “Thank you for giving me a good new job” and was understood to be saying that his government has delivered such a monumental project which stands to boost the economy as well as improve the lives of the ordinary.
Without doubt the magnificent bridge that measures 923 meters long, is expected to facilitate access to international markets through connectivity with major seaports and to improve the efficiency of the Southern African Development Community ( SADC) from being landlocked to now being “land linked”.
Lungu revealed that contrary to reports that the Kazungula project, which started in 2014, was to operate for 24 hours, it will in- fact operate 22 hours per day. He said that the bridge demonstrated excellent relations between Botswana and Zambia. He said the Bridge project will greatly improve transit traffic through Kazungula due to reduced transit time as well as improved trade facilitation measures and border management operations because of the inclusion of the one- stop border post. He acknowledged the financial support that his country received from the governments of Japan through JICA, China, South Korea, and the African Development Bank.
Lungu said the two governments and people worked tirelessly and appreciated the nationals of both countries for their sacrifices and perseverance during the construction of the project which comprises of a bridge across the Zambezi River and also across Zambia and Botswana side.
Lungu said the initiative wing of Zambia which is commonly known as smart Zambia has detached the department of immigration in Zambia and pushed for the government service first.
This means that people around the area can access Zambia in digital services and transaction. Zambia is now supporting multiple payments channels global money e- wallets, electronic money transfers and bank payments.
Lungu recognised and paid tribute to the former presidents of Zambia and Botswana for the roles they played and whose visionary leadership set the foundation for the joint project and ensured it continues. He said their dream has been realised.
“I’m personally grateful to the Zambian people for placing their trust in me and giving my government a privilege to see the project to completion. From the Zambian perspective this is yet another monumental achievement in our agenda for transforming the country through infrastructure development”.
Lungu said it was gratifying that the Democratic Republic of Congo President, Felix Tshisekedi was the guest of honour at the commissioning because both Zambia and DRC are on the way to putting up a similar infrastructure between their two countries.
The said project is being implemented under the Public Private Partnership ( PPP) and is called Kasomeno- Mwenda toll road and Luapula Bridge. He said once completed it will decongest traffic from Walvis Bay in Namibia and the Lubumbashi corridor and will help improve relations between Zambia, Tanzania, Congo and the rest of Africa.
He described the facility as a critical milestone in the development of the North- South corridor as it will also facilitate access to regional markets and linkages to major sea points. Lungu shared the podium with his counterparts president Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnanagagwa and President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique who attended in his capacity as SADC chairperson. SADC Executive Secretary Dr. Stergomena Tax was also present.