Zambia bridge crossing stalled due to payment delays

Progress has now stalled on Zambia’s Kazungula Bridge project, due to delays with payments. The bridge is being built by Korean contractor Daewoo Engineering and Construction but the firm has ceased activity due to problems with payments by the Zambian Government. The firm has said that it is owed nearly US$15 million for work carried out so far on the bridge. Botswana has paid its share of the costs but the delays relate to non-payments by Zambia.

Spanning the Zambezi River, the new Kazungula Bridge is at an important location as it will allow improved trade and transport between Zambia and Botswana. It will also improve transport and trade with Zimbabwe, Namibia and Angola, which have borders near at hand.