China Eximbank provides $30 million loan for Cunene River Bridge Project

Project narrative

In 2007, China Eximbank and the Government of Angola signed a $30 million loan agreement for the Cunene River Bridge Project. The borrowing terms of the loan are unknown. The proceeds of the loan were used by the borrower to finance a commercial contract with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The project involve the construction of a bridge that crosses the Cunene River and connects the cities of Lubango and Ondjiva. The bridge is 880 meters long and 11.64 meters wide. It has the capacity to hold 100 tons, and it has two 4-meter lanes on each side as well as a sidewalk of a ½-meter for pedestrians. The bridge is located near Xangongo village in Ombandja municipality in southwestern Angola. The Angolan Roads Agency (INEA) appointed Aurecon, together with its joint venture partners Gabeng and BKS, to design and supervise bid documents. This joint venture was also responsible for site supervision. CRBC was responsible for implementation. Construction began in May 2007 and ended in June 2009. On 14 September 2009, the bridge was officially inaugurated and put to use.