CALAI – Namibian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and Angolan Minister of External Relations, George Chicoty, on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the two countries to build three bridges across the Kavango River.
The MoU, signed at the southern Angolan town of Calai, will see the construction of three bridges to further connect the two countries.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the signing of the MoU was very important in the economic and social development of the two neighbours as it will facilitate the construction of the bridge that will link Rundu and Calai, the second Nkurenkuru and Forte Kwangali, while the third bridge will be constructed in the Gciriku area of Ndiyona.
“We are very much convinced that once the bridges are constructed they will not only increase trade and communication between our two countries but will have a great impact on SADC’s grand development of the region.
“At the same time, as you know, the African Union has also adopted Agenda 2063 which is a vision of development of the African continent. There is great emphasis on infrastructure development, and bridges are part of the infrastructure we are looking for,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Chicoty said it was a great honour to finally sign the long-awaited MoU that will pave the way for the construction of three permanent bridges across the Kavango River.
“It has been the desire of the two heads of states to see this realised. The three governors of the three regions where the construction will take place will work together to speed up construction work. The bridges will boost our economies as these are major developments in terms of business and other matters the bridges will facilitate,” said Chicoty.
The bridges will provide easy access of movement of goods and people.
The construction period was yet to be announced.