An Italian consortium has been awarded a contract worth almost P1 billion ($95 million) to build a bridge in the remote Okavango Delta, which is one of Botswana’s top tourist attraction and sensitive biodiversity area – celebrated for its wildlife.
This publication has it on good record that the project which will be 100 percent funded by the government involves the erection of a 1 100 metre long road bridge as well as pedestrian walkways. The anticipated date of completion is July, 2019.
The Italian Consortium between Itinera and Cimolai will construct the bridge which will replace a pontoon service across a section of the Delta.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Elias Magosi, said since the Okavango Delta was declared a world heritage site, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) was conducted to avoid a situation whereby the construction of the bridge would interfere with the environment.
“An environment impact assessment was done since the Okavango Delta area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will make sure construction will not disturb the environment,” said Magosi.
It is worth noting that the Okavango Delta is already utilising solar energy for electricity. Development is being kept at minimal to avoid conflict with wildlife.
