Feasibility study looks at regional needs beyond 2015
LEONARD NEILL
THE CAPRIVI Corridor, Namibia’s
gateway to the vast copper and
uranium resources in Zambia, can
expect an upswing in cargo traffic
following the signing of an agreement
to promote trade between the two
countries.
Namibian Ports Authority
(Namport) hosted a Zambian
delegation led by Zambian president
Levy Patrick Mwanawasa at the
end of March which culminated in
the signing of the agreement with
Namport managing director Sebby
Kankondi.
“Walvis Bay is the ideal exit point
for these mineral resources, while
there is also great opportunity to
expand trade in the region in general.
It will grow the economies of both
nations,” said Kankondi.
“We have and will continue to
develop this market by creating
synergies, alliances and joint
ventures with the relevant Zambian
stakeholders. Two years ago we
established an office in Lusaka to
accelerate the flow of cargo between
the Zambian hinterland and the port
of Walvis Bay, which has run smoothly
since the completion of the Sesheke
Bridge across the Caprivi river.
“Namport is driven by the desire
to provide our neighbours with access
and gateway port facilities which are
closer to the transatlantic markets
than any other port in the region.”
The visit coincided with the
completion of a feasibility study
aimed at guiding the development
of the Port of Walvis Bay to cater for
the increasing shipping needs of the
region beyond 2 015.
The study forms the initial stage of
the capital injection of R500m which
will be pumped into the port over a
five year period to bring the facilities
into line with the best in the shipping
world, says Namport’s manager,
marketing and strategic business
Jerome Mouton.
“The Caprivi Corridor has enjoyed
continued growth in business since it
was opened four years ago, and this
latest visit is destined to increase it
tremendously. Never forget the fact that money spent in our harbours is not meant
merely to upgrade facilities, but to remain ahead of
Southern Africa’s needs.
“It has always been Namport’s stated intention
to invest in anticipation of need rather than wait
until it is forced into improvement, as has been
the case in South Africa where billions are now
being pumped into harbours to redress the position
where many of the facilities have deteriorated in
the past 2 0 years.”
Agreement with Zambia
10 Apr 2007 - by Staff reporter
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