Zim-Zambia Parly committees to meet

PARLIAMENTARY Portfolio Committees on Transport and Infrastructure Development from Zimbabwe and Zambia are set to meet over the Victoria Falls Bridge and hotel, which are co-owned by the two countries.

The meeting is aimed at interrogating benefits both countries are getting from the infrastructure and deliberating on plans to construct a second bridge at one of the world’s seven wonders.

In an interview in Chinhoyi yesterday, Chegutu legislator and chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development Cde Dexter Nduna said plans were afoot for the interface meeting, which had been set for next month.

“Since we are co-owners of the Victoria Falls Bridge and Hotel, we have organised an interface of the countries’ Parliamentary Portfolio Committees on Transport and Infrastructure Development next month,” he said.

“The meeting is aimed at interrogating the revenue both countries are getting from the infrastructure and deliberate on ways to increase the income.”

Cde Nduna, who is also Chegutu West legislator, said they would also discuss the construction of another bridge. “During our deliberations, we will also look at the possibility of constructing a second bridge in conjunction with the Zambian government to enhance the movement of cargo and to attract tourists,” he said.

Cde Nduna said if the proposed plans to construct another bridge sail through, there would be need for a buy-in of various stakeholders in Government.

He said they were also looking at ensuring that the capacity of Victoria Falls Airport was fully utilised.

“The current extended terminal accommodates at least 1,5 million people per year up from the previous 500 000,” he said.

“We are still to get to the capacity of the old terminal as we are currently accommodating 300 000 people.”