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FOREIGN aid should be given to strengthen economic co-operation and not to further political objectives, President Mugabe said yesterday. The President said this at a ceremony to commission the new Chirundu Bridge on the Zambian side of the border. The ceremony was also attended by Zambian President Mr Levy Mwana-wasa, Cabinet Ministers and senior Government officials from the two countries. Cde Mugabe lauded the Japanese government for providing the US$25 million grant for the construction of the new bridge, which is expected to ease congestion and smoothen the flow of traffic at Chirundu Border Post. He said since independence, Zimba-bwe had enjoyed cordial relations with Japan, which availed grant aid packages to various sectors of the Zimbabwean economy, such as transport and communication, health and local government. Zimbabwe also received assistance in the form of technology transfer and the training of artisans in various technical fields. "I wish we could say that of many other countries which we are associated with in history. "They should learn that when aid is given with the purpose of strengthening co-operation, it would be better appreciated than aid, given in order to perpetuate political objectives. "And when we have such aid given for political objectives, we shall never want nor entertain it," Cde Mugabe said. The new bridge is going to ease the flow of traffic and is expected to increase the volume of trade between Zimbabwe and Zambia. There had been congestion at the old single lane Otto Beit-Bridge resulting in delays in clearing commercial vehicles. Commercial trucks had on average taken close to two days to cross the border, a situation President Mugabe said was not conducive for business growth and the development of the two countries� economies. "In order to guard against the growth of these negative developments, our two governments had to be proactive in seeking remedies to the problem. "Against this background, the governments looked at possible ways of decongesting the border and improving efficiency. "As this vision was of necessity and long-term in scope, we agreed that the border post should be overhauled and aligned to international standards," he said. The new Chirundu bridge project began in 1999 after Japan through the Japanese International Co-operation Agency provided a US$25 million grant aid package for consultancy services and construction. The Zimbabwe and Zambia governments agreed to fund the upgrading of the associated facilities at the border post. Construction began in February 2000 and it was expected that work on the project would be completed after three years. But the contractor, Kajima Co-operation was ahead of schedule and completed the job in October this year. President Mugabe said the Government had made efforts to have the required facilities ready in time for the opening of the bridge but because of the magnitude of the work involved and the desire for quality and durability, there were still several outstanding features to be completed. The Government had decided to construct the facilities in phases extending over four years with the work broken down into three stages. Phase one, which was in progress, would include constructing a freight terminal, sewer and water reticulation, water reservoir, a police administration block, civil works and residential flats and houses for Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and Immigration staff. "I am pleased to say that to date, we have made significant strides towards the completion of the freight terminal. "The other components are at an advanced stage with most nearing completion, save for the ZRP administration block. "It is anticipated that all phase one works would be completed early next year. The value of the work done so far is over Z$1 billion," said Cde Mugabe. Projects in the second phase which were expected to commence and be completed next year will include water treatment works, passenger control terminal and accommodation for the police. The final phase involving the construction of houses for other workers at the border post is set for 2004. "It is my Government�s hope that once all the facilities have been completed, Chirundu Border Post would be greatly improved with regard to efficiency and the general standard of living of the local population. "The border is of particular importance to the region, being a link to all Sadc countries and beyond. "Once all associated facilities are in place, the border should therefore cease to be a stranglehold and instead become a facilitator of the efficient flow of traffic at all times. "May I also indicate that my Government is committed to the adoption of a one stop border concept which should go a long way in facilitating the smooth flow of traffic thereby further decongesting the border. "I am made to understand that the new border once completed, will have enough capacity for the implementation of the concept," he said. Now that the two countries had opened yet another avenue of economic opportunity, the President said, the challenge was to the private sector to take advantage of the present investment opportunities. "Zimbabwe welcomes regional investments and I wish to take the opportunity to invite potential investors to come and review the investment opportunities in our two countries," the President said. Zambian President Mr Levy Mwanawasa described the opening of the bridge as a historic landmark in the co-operation between Zambia and Zimbabwe. He said it was an important facet in strengthening the relations between the two countries. He said the old bridge had seen its days and could no longer carry thecreased traffic. He said the investment must be protected against abuse. Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Iiyama Suneshige said the construction of the bridge showed the extent of the relationship between Zimbabwe, Zambia and Japan. He said Japan takes pride in having assisted Zimbabwe since independence in 1980. The Mulindwas
communication group
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