Botswana opens 3 Chinese-built intersections

GABORONE, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's Ministry of Transport and Public Works on Monday announced the opening of the three grade-separated intersections, constructed by Chinese firms, to the public.

The three intersections are situated in the city center of Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. "Additional safety features have been put in place at the intersections to enhance the safety of all road users," said Minister of Transport and Public Works Eric Molale in a statement.

Often referred to as flyovers by locals, Molale said their opening to the public "will definitely ease traffic flow" in the southern African country's capital city whose population is estimated at 250,000 according to the 2022 census.

Three Chinese companies signed a contract with Botswana on Feb. 7, 2019, to construct the flyovers. The project, part of the country's integrated transport project, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Molale, urging the public to exercise caution and patience while using the intersections.