By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
THE Governments of Zambia and Angola have commenced the development of a One-Stop-Shop border facility on either side of the Rivungo Canal in Shang’ombo District of Western Province.
Construction of the US$50 million Rivungo Canal has been jointly funded by the two countries to increase cargo and passenger transport.
Western Province Permanent Secretary Mwangala Liomba said in an interview yesterday that, construction of border facilities on either side of the canal has already started.
“For staff houses, we have contracted Mongu Trades Institute to undertake the project which will be followed by construction of office buildings for the immigration, Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA),
Zambia Police and other Government agencies among others, to facilitate trade,” Mr Liomba said.
Mr Liomba said the provincial administration would ensure works were properly monitored looking at the economic importance of the project to the residents as well as the country as a whole.
The canal will facilitate passage of cargo and passengers between Zambia and Angola thereby providing an opportunity for Zambia to have access to the Angolan sea coast.
Recently, the two Governments appointed a joint committee to oversee development of infrastructure on either side.
The 15-kilometre canal has been dredged further downstream on the western bank of the flood plain of the Cuando River.
