§ 16. Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made up to date in the construction of the Zambesi bridge; and whether it has been found necessary to retard operations in view of the financial crisis?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAs the answer is a rather long one, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The present position in the construction of the bridge is as follows:
§ On the right bank the abutment is finished and the foundations for 17 spans of the viaduct are completed. On the left bank the abutment and all the piers for the six approach spans are completed and girders are being erected. For the main spans four out of the 34 piers are practically finished and six more piers are in progress. The material for about two-thirds of the viaduct, which is 3,000 feet long, is on the site; also a further large quantity of permanent material is either on the site or ready for shipment. Contractors' plant for the whole work is on the site. The approach railway, 25 miles long, is practically finished and construction trains are running through. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.