The A3 road project development manager has revealed that the project is taking shape, as asphalt paving has already begun with traffic expected to be offloaded to the new road at the end of February next year.
Moemedi Gabana has said the beginning of asphalt works is a huge milestone and exciting time for crew working on the 200 km Francistown-Nata Road.
“All the hard work is paying off and the road is taking shape. To the public, motorists and tourists this is an assurance that reconstruction of this important strategic trade corridor will be delivered on time,” said Gabana, team leader of Okavango Africa Consortium, during a media tour last week Friday.
“The priming stage is a critical stage that is done just before full asphalt surfacing. Already we have the state of art asphalt paver in place, to give the best surfacing of the bitumen. To accelerate the surfacing of the tarmac, we have invested in constructing a bitumen manufacturing plant at the Orapa junction. Everything is being done on site to maximise on time and efficiency. Turnaround time is critical,” emphasized Gabana.
He said the asphalt paver enables them to deliver faster, more consistent and smoother output of the tarmac. He added is also meant for the project team to maintain a very tight schedule as well.
Once the tarred section of the road is open, construction will start on the opposite side of the road. This will ensure traffic is uninterrupted and is kept moving while construction is ongoing.
Other works in this multi-billion project is construction of two bridges across Tati River and Shashe River along the highway. The structural works are well under way, with foundations for the new bridges being drilled into the rivers.
“We are going to build two new bridges along Francistown Mathangwane stretch, which is a dual carriage way. So far, the foundations are being drilled. At Tati River we have to drill 20 metres deep to get the best bedrock to set the structural braces. So, all works are coming up very well, and the best engineers are at work on both bridges,” added Gabana.
Once complete the upgraded Francistown-Nata highway will enhance mobility, ease and strengthen trade between Botswana with Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
