By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
THE African Development Bank (AfDB) has provided a grant worth US$2.64 million to the Government to undertake the feasibility studies and engineering designs for Mpulungu port.
The bank has also approved a US$22.49 million loan to Zambia for the development of Lake Tanganyika.
AfDB office in charge for Zambia country office Philip Boahen said the US$2.64 million would help the Government to undertake the feasibility studies and engineering designs that would facilitate for the rehabilitation of the Mpulungu port.
In an interview in Lusaka, Mr Boahen said the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications was currently managing the consultancy for the feasibility study.
“The Bank expects this study to be completed before end of this year to allow for a detailed appraisal and financing with other partners.
With all things being equal, we expect this project to be approved before the end of 2016,” he said.
Mr Boahen said the bank was also assisting the Government of Burundi with a similar activity towards the rehabilitation of the Bujumbura Port.
“A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Zambia and Burundi was signed in September 2013 with the support of the Bank’s African Legal Support Facility.
“Rehabilitation of the Mpulungu and Bujumbura ports would improve transport services and communications on the Lake Tanganyika between Zambia and Burundi,” he said.
Mr Boahen said the project was expected to increase capacity and efficiency of both ports and consequently enhance the transportation through regional corridors.
It would also enhance safety of navigation on the lake and cargo handling.
On Lake Tanganyika, Mr Boahen said the total estimated cost of the project is US$29.62 million.
He explained that in addition to the AfDB funding, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) was making a contribution with a US$7 million donation and the Zambian Government was committing US$190,000.
“The project will be implemented over a five-year period in two districts, Mpulungu and Nsama, which surround the drainage basin of the lake and which have 157,830 inhabitants.
“The incidence of poverty is much higher in these districts than in other districts of Zambia,” he said.