Lusaka - Zimbabwe's political problems may delay or completely derail construction of the 70 million US dollar Kazungula Bridge on the Zambezi River, a vital economic link between Botswana and Zambia and the rest of Africa, it was reported Thursday.

The Zambia Daily Mail reported Thursday that the NEPAD (New Partnership for Africas Development) Business Foundation has cautioned Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe not to let politics derail the ambitious project.

It called the project, envisioned specifically for developing the mining sectors of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, of critical importance to the SADC region and the entire continent.

NBF senior project manager John Roche revealed that Zimbabwe, which did not participate in the initial project feasibility study, now wanted to make its own assessment.

"A small portion of the bridge actually goes past Zimbabwean territorial waters, hence Zimbabweans (are) requesting they also do their own feasibility study," Roche said.

He advised Botswana and Zambia to persuade Zimbabwe to consider the long-term economic considerations given the economic importance to the region as a whole.

Roche appreciated the commitment by Botswana and Zambia to proceed and construct the bridge immediately downstream of the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers some 65 kilometres upstream from the world renowned Victoria Falls.

The length of the bridge and approach roads on either side of the river is 3,700 metres, with the main bridge to be 720 metres. (dpa)