Chinese-built Walvis Bay container terminal in Namibia 96 pct complete

The new container terminal at Namibia's Walvis Bay which was constructed by Chinese company is 96 percent complete, Namport Manager of Corporate Communications Tana Pesat said Wednesday.

According to Pesat, construction has reached the final stages where the construction workers are just working on the final touches.

"We are on schedule and in the final round of construction. This is a big project that the whole country is looking forward to," she said.

Construction of the new terminal which is envisioned to position the country as a regional logistic hub and gateway is expected to be fully finalized at the end of June.

China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. Started construction work in 2014 while the African Development Bank provided 300 million U.S. dollars funding for the container terminal being constructed on 40 hectares of land reclaimed from the sea.

After completion, the container handling capacity is expected to increase from the current 350,000 containers to 750,000 per annum.

Situated on Africa's western coast, the modernized and larger port will mean easier and much faster transit between Southern Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.