Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Burundi Times
Published on 2024-03-16 09:11:30
Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo have embarked on a joint project to construct a 130-meter bridge connecting the two countries in Cibitoke province. The estimated cost of the bridge is around 24 billion Burundian Francs. The reconstruction of the bridge began on October 2, 2023, and is expected to take 13 months and 15 days to complete. The project is being financed by the World Bank, with the aim of facilitating the free movement of goods and people between the two partner states.
Despite some delays in the construction process due to budget negotiations, the project is still progressing. The current execution rate stands at 15%, with 32% of the overall time consumed. Burundi’s Minister of Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock, Prosper Dodiko, provided an update on the progress of the bridge construction, highlighting the challenges faced during the negotiation process.
In order to expedite the construction process, there is a need for a temporary bridge to facilitate workers and engineers in completing the final construction of the bridge. Dieudonné Dukundane, the Minister of Infrastructure, Equipment, and Social Housing in Burundi, emphasized the importance of providing the necessary support to ensure the timely completion of the bridge and the construction of customs services at the border crossing.
The construction project includes the development of a 3.5km stretch of road connecting the bridge to the RN5 (Bujumbura-Cibitoke) on the Burundian side, as well as an additional 11km on the DRC side. This infrastructure development is vital for enhancing connectivity and promoting trade between Burundi and the DRC, ultimately contributing to economic growth and development in the region.
The new bridge will not only improve transportation links between the two countries but also enhance regional integration and cooperation. It will provide a vital link for the movement of goods and people, thereby boosting trade and economic activities in the area. The completion of the bridge is expected to have a positive impact on the local communities by creating job opportunities and stimulating economic development in the region.
In conclusion, the construction of the 130-meter bridge between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo is a significant infrastructure project that will strengthen the ties between the two countries and promote economic growth and development in the region. Despite some challenges faced during the construction process, the project is moving forward with the support of the World Bank and the commitment of both governments to enhance connectivity and cooperation between them.
Read the original article on Burundi Times
