African Development Bank ADB has committed US$ 3.1 million to fund feasibility study for the Shire Zambezi water way project to establish its impact on the environment.

Ministry of Transport and Public Works spokesperson Miss Joyce Malongo told Zodiak Radio that the feasibility study will involve Zambia and Mozambique.

“Interviews for the consultant were conducted two months ago. We will unveil the consultant during the launch in December,” said Malongo.

“This is a regional project so it will be coordinated by the Southern African development community SADC and three member states of Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique are involved,” she said.

“Our role is to provide both technical and moral support for smooth operation in the course of the study.” added Malongo.

If successfully implemented government expects to be saving US$175 million of its annual transport import costs.

Recently opposition MPs took government to task to explain why it was not regarding the project among its priorities.

As promised, the minister responsible is yet to make a ministerial statement on government’s position on the project.