• Number expected to increase to 500 as project reaches full capacity
The reconstruction of the Francistown-Nata road (A3) has commenced, marking a crucial phase in Botswana’s efforts to improve regional connectivity and enhance transportation infrastructure.
The 200 kilometre stretch, part of the larger A3 route, serves as a strategic link between Botswana and its Southern African Development Community (SADC) neighbours, while also connecting Southern Africa to the rest of the continent.
The A3 road is vital for both regional and local economies. It facilitates the transportation of goods, including copper from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia, down to the port of Durban in South Africa.
This route, is one of the most efficient and reliable means of moving cargo across southern Africa, reducing transit time and improving the overall flow of trade within the SADC region.
On a local scale, the road is equally significant. It connects Botswana’s northern regions to the country’s primary highway, the A1, which runs from the capital, Gaborone, in the south, all the way to Francistown and beyond.
Additionally, the Francistown-Nata road links important tourist destinations such as Maun and Kasane, while also providing access to the villages of Sebina and Tutume.
Moemedi Gabana, Development Manager at Okavango Africa Consortium (OAC), the company leading the project, said this of the road:
"The Francistown-Nata road is one of the strongest networks in our national infrastructure, and this upgrade will strengthen its role as a major artery of Botswana's economy," adding that the new design will ensure that it can handle more traffic and heavier loads, thereby improving safety and efficiency.
Gabana indicated that the initial phase, which includes setting out, clearing, and grubbing the land for construction, has already begun.
Additionally, the construction of a temporary detour, or bypass to allow traffic to continue flowing smoothly while the main road undergoes its major upgrades, is in progress.
"We are moving steadily towards completing the bypass, which is one of our first major milestones," Gabana explained. "Once that is done, we can fully concentrate on the permanent works without causing major disruptions to road users."
The project has been divided into sections, with different teams working on various components simultaneously. This phased approach ensures that complex areas, such as bridge construction and interchanges, are tackled methodically.
Gabana anticipates that the most challenging parts of the road, those involving bridges and interchanges, will take approximately 30 months to complete. Reconstructing a major road while keeping it open to live traffic presents several challenges. For the OAC team, one of the most significant hurdles has been managing construction during the rainy season.
Water levels in rivers pose an added difficulty when building bridges, as the team must divert the water to facilitate foundation excavations and construct abutments. Despite these challenges, Gabana remains optimistic about the project’s progress, crediting the team's careful planning and the cooperation of the government and local communities.
The Francistown-Nata road reconstruction is funded by the Government of Botswana, a clear sign of the importance of this infrastructure upgrade for the country’s long term economic development.
When completed, the road will not only facilitate smoother and faster transportation of goods across southern Africa but also play a crucial role in boosting tourism and enhancing local economies.
One of the key features of the new road is its widened design. In some areas, particularly between Francistown and Mathangwane, the road will be expanded into a dual carriageway, easing traffic flow and reducing the risk of accidents.
For the single carriageway sections, the road will be widened to allow for easier overtaking and increased capacity.
“The new specifications are designed to handle heavy load trucks carrying copper and other goods from Central Africa,” Gabana said.
“The road will also connect seamlessly to key infrastructure, such as the Kazungula and Mohembo bridges, further enhancing regional connectivity.”
The project has also created significant employment opportunities for the local population. Currently, over 150 people are employed on the site, but that number is expected to increase to between 400 and 500 as the project reaches full capacity.
This influx of jobs provides a much needed economic boost to the surrounding communities, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery efforts.
"We are committed to hiring locally and contributing to the economic well-being of the communities we work in," Gabana said.
Once finished, the road will be a cornerstone of Botswana's national infrastructure, facilitating trade, tourism, and local development for years to come.
The 200 kilometre stretch, part of the larger A3 route, serves as a strategic link between Botswana and its Southern African Development Community (SADC) neighbours, while also connecting Southern Africa to the rest of the continent.
The A3 road is vital for both regional and local economies. It facilitates the transportation of goods, including copper from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia, down to the port of Durban in South Africa.
This route, is one of the most efficient and reliable means of moving cargo across southern Africa, reducing transit time and improving the overall flow of trade within the SADC region.
On a local scale, the road is equally significant. It connects Botswana’s northern regions to the country’s primary highway, the A1, which runs from the capital, Gaborone, in the south, all the way to Francistown and beyond.
Additionally, the Francistown-Nata road links important tourist destinations such as Maun and Kasane, while also providing access to the villages of Sebina and Tutume.
Moemedi Gabana, Development Manager at Okavango Africa Consortium (OAC), the company leading the project, said this of the road:
"The Francistown-Nata road is one of the strongest networks in our national infrastructure, and this upgrade will strengthen its role as a major artery of Botswana's economy," adding that the new design will ensure that it can handle more traffic and heavier loads, thereby improving safety and efficiency.
Gabana indicated that the initial phase, which includes setting out, clearing, and grubbing the land for construction, has already begun.
Additionally, the construction of a temporary detour, or bypass to allow traffic to continue flowing smoothly while the main road undergoes its major upgrades, is in progress.
"We are moving steadily towards completing the bypass, which is one of our first major milestones," Gabana explained. "Once that is done, we can fully concentrate on the permanent works without causing major disruptions to road users."
The project has been divided into sections, with different teams working on various components simultaneously. This phased approach ensures that complex areas, such as bridge construction and interchanges, are tackled methodically.
Gabana anticipates that the most challenging parts of the road, those involving bridges and interchanges, will take approximately 30 months to complete. Reconstructing a major road while keeping it open to live traffic presents several challenges. For the OAC team, one of the most significant hurdles has been managing construction during the rainy season.
Water levels in rivers pose an added difficulty when building bridges, as the team must divert the water to facilitate foundation excavations and construct abutments. Despite these challenges, Gabana remains optimistic about the project’s progress, crediting the team's careful planning and the cooperation of the government and local communities.
The Francistown-Nata road reconstruction is funded by the Government of Botswana, a clear sign of the importance of this infrastructure upgrade for the country’s long term economic development.
When completed, the road will not only facilitate smoother and faster transportation of goods across southern Africa but also play a crucial role in boosting tourism and enhancing local economies.
One of the key features of the new road is its widened design. In some areas, particularly between Francistown and Mathangwane, the road will be expanded into a dual carriageway, easing traffic flow and reducing the risk of accidents.
For the single carriageway sections, the road will be widened to allow for easier overtaking and increased capacity.
“The new specifications are designed to handle heavy load trucks carrying copper and other goods from Central Africa,” Gabana said.
“The road will also connect seamlessly to key infrastructure, such as the Kazungula and Mohembo bridges, further enhancing regional connectivity.”
The project has also created significant employment opportunities for the local population. Currently, over 150 people are employed on the site, but that number is expected to increase to between 400 and 500 as the project reaches full capacity.
This influx of jobs provides a much needed economic boost to the surrounding communities, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery efforts.
"We are committed to hiring locally and contributing to the economic well-being of the communities we work in," Gabana said.
Once finished, the road will be a cornerstone of Botswana's national infrastructure, facilitating trade, tourism, and local development for years to come.
