Angola and Zambia connected by river canal

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Angola and Zambia connected by river canal

12:36 CAT | 30 Dec 2016

Macauhub

Construction of a canal 10 kilometres long, 34 metres wide and 3 metres deep on the River Kwando will be completed in the first half of 2017, Angolan minister of Transport, Augusto da Silva Tomás told state newspaper Jornal de Angola.

The canal between the capital of the municipality of Rivungo and Shangombo in Zambia will promote trade between the two countries, and the connection will have two passenger ships with a capacity of 25 people each and two cargo vessels with a capacity of 10 tonnes each.

The minister, who visited the municipality, said the project ensures greater mobility and safety during navigation and fosters trade, political, cultural and social exchange between the people of both countries.

The canal may also be beneficial for tourism by allowing “tourists from Zambia to come into Angola through Rivungo, in order to enjoy the beauties of the Okavango-Zambezi cross-border tourism project and provide more revenue for the country,” he added.

The canal will also improve social conditions, with the creation of jobs, provide personal income and tax revenues, increase trade and services to minimise the problems of people living along the border.

This project, which was carried out by a South African company, includes the acquisition of equipment for signalling, search and rescue, staff training and the construction of piers on both sides for loading and unloading passengers and goods.

Source: Macauhub