Maravi

Zimbabwe calls for implementation of Zambezi seaway project

Zimbabwe calls for implementation of Zambezi seaway project
Written by Kingsley Kaswende in Harare, Zimbabwe
Thursday, June 04, 2009 11:28:11 PM

ZIMBABWE'S public works deputy minister Aguy Georgias has called on Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to invest in the proposed Zambezi seaway project, which is expected to provide a cheaper and safer way of transporting goods.

Addressing a media briefing in Harare last Tuesday, Georgias said the project was expected to see the construction of a seaway along the Zambezi River to serve the landlocked Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as the inland areas of Mozambique with a direct route to the Indian Ocean.

He said the project, if pursued seriously, could provide immense benefits to the region as it would allow the smooth movement of imports and exports within the region.

"I have already part-designed and patented a way of barge or ship movement. This would involve a buoyed channel to the ocean with a wire rope attached to either side of the channel and would operate rather like a ski lift. The weight of barges filled with tonnes of heavy ore on the trip to the ocean could tow the empty barges upstream. Advantages would be ease of navigating the Zambezi and conservation of fuel. Every effort should be made to be environmentally friendly," he said.

"Effort would be made to move away from sophisticated, expensive and often unreliable equipment in remote positions in favour of engineering designs that have survived the passage of time for the last century."

Georgias said the initial width and depth of the seaway would be a financial consideration, whether to opt for the minimum to suit large sea going barges, small cargo vessels or large cargo vessels.

This first phase, envisaged to end at Cabora Bassa, would provide an 8,009 kilometres (km) seaway to the coast.

"There would be a need for a commencement budget of between US $1 million and US $2 million to properly survey the entire route, establishing the most economical one and leading to a firm costing," he said.

Georgias said the second phase of the project would link seaway to Lake Kariba.

"This section of the Zambezi, although some 250 km in length, would not need a continuous canal as some sections are navigable already and merely need dredging. When completed it would provide a 1,500 km seaway of immense economic importance to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and, at this stage, Botswana," Georgias said.

The Zambezi Seaway project was first mooted by the Portuguese who conducted a feasibility study into the seaway along the Zambezi, and had a positive result. However, the project remained a blue print without further implementation.

The project will give Zimbabwe and Zambia, which are both landlocked, a route to the sea.

Labels: AGUY GEORGIAS, INFRASTRUCTURE, ZAMBEZI SEAWAY PROJECT, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 10:31 PM