The Governments of Zambia and Botswana have reaffirmed their commitment to complete and commission the Kazungula bridge project next year.
Speaking after talks with President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi at State House in Lusaka, President Edgar Lungu said it was the intention of Africa’s founding fathers to have the region connected.
President Lungu said Zambia and Botswana want Zimbabwe to be part of the project and that they will continue engaging their counterpart over the matter.
And President Masisi said his visit to Zambia is to reinforce the confidence in the construction of Kazungula bridge and ensure the contractor resumes work.
He pointed out that all outstanding obligations to the contractor have since been met.
President Masisi said the project should have initially been a combined undertaking among Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with the aim of promoting trade among other benefits.
He said Zambia and Botswana have embraced the idea of having equity shareholding with Zimbabwe on condition that they meet the financial obligations to co-own the project.
President Masisi said Namibia is also being incorporated in the project as the bridge has potential to benefit that country and create employment in the region.
Meanwhile, the President of Botswana has extended an invitation to President Lungu to attend a meeting on the Elephants Project to be held on 7th May 2019 in Botswana.
Mr. Masisi explained that the meeting will include discussions on how to give life to the Kaza Project and the depopulation of elephants in Botswana through free roaming instead of culling them.
President Masisi has since returned to Botswana.
And President Masisi has backed calls by President Lungu for the church to pray against the Xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
President Masisi says the Xenophobic attacks in that country are worrying and that everyone should join in condemning the violent acts.
He says Xenophobia affects everyone and should not be allowed to prevail.
President Masisi was speaking to journalists shortly before departure for his country at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka this morning.
Meanwhile, the President of Botswana has described his state visit to Zambia as fruitful.
