Transporters using the newly opened Maputo-Catembe bridge will face a rather steep price in toll fees – but this must be weighed against the operational efficiencies that come with it, says Mike Fitzmaurice, executive director of the Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta). Maputo Sul Development Company, which operates the bridge on behalf of the Mozambican government, has announced that vehicles crossing the three kilometre long bridge would pay between US$2.70 and US$20 in toll fees (from 160 to 1 200 meticais), although frequent users may be entitled to a discount of up to 75%. Heavy goods vehicles with four or more axles will pay the highest fee. The company has lived up to its promise not to raise the fees too radically. Trucks with five or more axles were charged 1 100 meticais in ferry fees and are now charged 1 200 meticais Chairperson of MaputoSul, Silva Magaia, said the toll fees would be used to cover maintenance and upkeep of the bridge which cost around US$785 to build. He was adamant that the revenue would not be used to pay back the loan to build the bridge. “The government made its analysis on the basis that the tolls must be socially tolerable, and that using the bridge does not worsen the expenses incurred by those who have to use this means of crossing the bay,” he said. Fitzmaurice agreed that the fees were steep, especially given the costs transporters already incurred on cross-border travel. “However, if operational efficiencies are achieved through fewer delays and a drastic cut-down on travel time from KwaZulu Natal to the Mozambican capital, then I think transporters would be willing to pay,” he said. According to Fitzmaurice, the travel time from Durban to Maputo has been cut down by around four hours. “If you think that delays can cost US$300 to $400 per day, it’s not such a heavy price,” he told FTW. KZN MEC for Economic Development, Sihle Zikalala, agreed, pointing out that the bridge would “boost both countries’ economies and create more jobs as it will enhance trade opportunities”.
INSERT with CAPTION
Travel time from Durban to Maputo has been cut down by around four hours. – Mike Fitzmaurice
