By KENNEDY MUPESENI –

ZAMBIA and Angola will soon appoint a joint committee to oversee the development activities on either side of the Rivungo Canal in Shangombo District of Western Province.
The common facilities will include a one-stop border post to facilitate trade between the two neighbouring countries.
The construction of US$50 million Rivungo canal has been jointly funded by the two countries with Angola contributing about 75 per cent.
This canal will also be a way for cargo and passengers transport between Zambia and Angola.
Currently, 15 kilometres of the canal connecting the two countries have been drenched.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga said since the Rivungo Canal has been drenched a joint committee would be established to look at the infrastructure development.
“The canal as I speak has been drenched, so what is needed is to appoint a joint committee between Zambia and Angola so that whatever is happening on the other side is replicated,” Mr Mukanga said in an interview in Lusaka recently.
There would be various committees before the ministerial one. The first committee will be constituted before the end of this month.
“It is important for us to have the buildings constructed and this is why we want to have a coordinated approach,” he said.
The infrastructure will include a one-stop shop border post to facilitate trade.
The border is located at the eastern bank of the floodplain of the Cuando River.
“This is where Shangombo is located, while Rivungo is on the western bank of the river further downstream,” he said.