JAPAN has given both the Zambian and Zimbabwean governments 1,7-billion to facilitate the construction of a modern bridge at Chirundu border post. Zambian daily The Post reports that finance and economic development minister Edith Nawakwi, signing on behalf of the Zambian government, hailed the funding as it will help improve the vital link to Southern Africa. “The construction of a new bridge at Chirundu will contribute, significantly, in the facilitation of trade between Zambia, Zimbabwe and the rest of the Southern African region,” Nawakwi said.