Unity Bridge

The Unity Bridge (sometimes called "Unity Bridge 1") across Ruvuma River at Negomano, Mozambique,[2] between Tanzania and Mozambique, was proposed as early as 1975, shortly after Mozambique's independence. It was the idea of the two countries' former Presidents, Mwalimu Nyerere and Samora Machel. Several design studies and limited construction work were completed in the early 1980s, but the Unity Bridge was not finished due to lack of funds.

For other uses, see Unity Bridge (disambiguation).
Unity Bridge

Coordinates11°24′52″S 38°29′39″E
Carries2 lanes
CrossesRuvuma River
Locale
Other name(s)Unity Bridge 1
Characteristics
DesignBox girder bridge[1]
Material
Total length720 metres (2,360 ft)
Width13.8 metres (45 ft)
Heightup to 10 metres (33 ft)
No. of spans18
History
DesignerNorconsult
Constructed byChina Geo-Engineering Corporation
Construction start16 October 2005
Construction costUS$ 35 million
Inaugurated12 May 2010
Location

In 2002, the two national governments made a formal agreement to build a new bridge across the river. The first foundation stones were laid both on Tanzanian and Mozambican sides on October 10, 2005. Construction was initially planned to be finished in 2008.

In 2005, Norconsult was awarded the contract for preliminary design and construction supervision of the bridge. It was planned to be about 720 m long.

The project was hoped to boost development in Mtwara Region (Tanzania), Cabo Delgado (Mozambique) as well as in the Southern African Development Community region as it is an important component of the Mtwara Development Corridor. It would also shorten the distance along the Cape to Cairo Road.[3]

Environmentalists say it will destroy Niassa Reserve in Mozambique which is home to elephant, buffalo, sable and roan herds.[4]

The Unity Bridge over the Rovuma River was built by the China Geo-Engineering Corporation and finally inaugurated on 12 May 2010 by the presidents of Mozambique and Tanzania.

The rehabilitation of access roads on both sides of the bridge is to be started. A second, smaller bridge, Unity 2, was completed in 2007.

See also

References
  • Kapama, Faustine (11 September 2008). "Unity Bridge to boost Dar, Maputo business". Daily News. Dar es Salaam. Retrieved 17 March 2010.

Notes
  1. "Technical specifications". COWI Africa. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
  2. Ministry of Trade and Industry (South Africa); et al. (21 August 2005). "Prefeasibility And Environmental Baseline Study For The Ruvuma River Interface Final Report" (PDF). Selous - Niassa Wildlife Corridor. p. 56. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  3. Valy, Bayano (January 2005). "Bridging the Ruvuma, bridging unity". Southern African News Features. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  4. "'Unity Bridge' to link Mozambique and Tanzania". Mail & Guardian. Johannesburg. 8 October 2005. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
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