Namibia and Zambia are negotiating a joint project to dredge the Zambezi River, aiming to deepen its waterways and mitigate the impact of severe seasonal flooding. The initiative, confirmed by Namibia's Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa (not Veikko Nekundi, who held the portfolio in a previous administration), seeks to enhance regional connectivity and trade.
Dredging involves removing sediment and debris from the bottom of rivers, lakes, or harbors. For the Zambezi, this process is intended to create a more reliable and navigable channel for water transport, which is crucial for landlocked Zambia's access to the sea via Namibia. The project is also framed as a flood control measure for communities along the riverbanks.
The negotiations highlight ongoing regional cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to develop transport corridors. While the project has been discussed for years, recent ministerial statements confirm it remains a priority. The exact timeline, scope, and environmental impact assessments for the dredging operation are still under discussion between the two governments.
