Mozambican Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources João Machatine has said China Road and Bridge Corp. will be in charge of building a new bridge over the Save River where it flows though his country, O País reports.

The Mozambican newspaper quotes Mr Machatine as saying the new bridge will cost US$98.3 million and take about three years to build.

Mr Machatine said the Chinese state-owned contractor would first repair the present bridge, which was expected to last 50 years when it was built, in 1971.

He said that before the present bridge was closed for repairs, China Road and Bridge would erect a temporary crossing, which would be completed by November.

China Road and Bridge is also in charge of building the Maputo-Katembe bridge, in Maputo, O País says.