adminProsper Ndlovu Deputy News Editor
THE government is warming up to taking over the New Limpopo Bridge next month following the expiry of the build, operate and transfer concession with Bulawayo Beitbridge Railway (BBR) Investments. BBR, a privately-owned company providing a rail link between Beitbridge, at the border with South Africa and Bulawayo, constructed the bridge 20 years ago.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu yesterday said the government will take over management of the bridge starting next month.
“I visited Beitbridge on a tour of the New Limpopo Bridge, which was constructed by BBR on a build, operate and transfer arrangement with government 20 years ago,” he told Chronicle.
“The concession has since expired and they are now handing over the project to the government. This is a multimillion dollar project. The official handover is set for next month.”
Dr Mpofu said his visit to the site on Wednesday was to familiarise himself with the operations at the Beitbridge Border Post ahead of the ministry’s takeover.
He acknowledged the sorry state of the country’s road network and said his ministry was working on modalities to improve the road infrastructure in all provinces.
He said the next few months will see a lot of activity in terms of development of the road network in the country.
“While we do that, we appeal to members of the public to bear with us to ensure that we complete all the processes started,” he said.
A majority of the country’s roads are in a sorry state with experts saying some of them have outlived their lifespan and need a complete overhaul.
Urban centres are not spared with most roads filled with potholes. The poor road network has riled the motoring public with some blaming it for the spate of accidents that claim lives each year.
Online Reporter