He urged them to proudly take responsibility in curbing vandalism and theft of components of the bridge, which are criminal behaviours that have been observed in other road projects. Speaking at the launch of the bridge in Mohembo over the weekend, the President also encouraged the communities to use the bridge responsibly by observing road signs, and driving within stipulated speed limits to avoid accidents. “In the same vein, I further encourage you to work together with the village extension teams and the police to form Road Safety Committees, in order to educate and sensitise people on the importance of road safety'', he said. The construction of the Okavango River Bridge project was fully funded by the government of Botswana under the Domestic Development Fund (DDF). Masisi said while there were some delays in the execution of the project, the bridge was successfully completed and has been beneficially used by motorists and pedestrians for a period of slightly more than seven months, to date. Masisi also revealed that due to the complexity of the bridge, Batswana only did supporting works.
“This project was undertaken by a foreign company by the name of Itinera/Cimolai Joint Venture at a contract sum of P1,045, 510, 751.77 under the supervision of CPP Botswana as the Project Manager. It is worth noting, however, that some components of the works, such as the construction of road works and electrical installations, were reserved for 100% citizen contractors. The project entailed the construction of about 1.161 km of Bridge and about 3 km of approach roads to the Bridge, as well as associated drainage, electrical installations and reticulation to the 1.161 km long bridge. There is also street lighting on the 3 km length of approach road. Indeed, “Mohembo” bridge has been elegantly designed and built,” he said. Masisi said the construction of the Bridge positively affected the economy of the catchment area by creating employment to around 513 people at its peak.
“The nation expects that this bridge will continue to have a significant positive impact on the socio-economic outlook of the villages of the Okavango region such as Mohembo, Kauxwi, Xakao, Sekondomboro, Ngarange, Mogotlho, Seronga, Gunotsoga, Eretsha, Beetsha, Gudigwa and others who live nearby. The time interval for transportation of goods across the Okavango River has significantly improved and this will reduce the costs of doing business, or of implementing government projects, which were brought about by delays in the ferrying of supplies of materials to construction sites and business premises on the eastern side of the river,” he said.
