Maputo commits US$61m to port rehabilitation

Cargo handling equipment tops priorities list Leonard Neill MAPUTO - NEW HARBOUR tugs and cranes as well as a vast amount of other cargo handling equipment will be purchased for the port of Maputo following an undertaking by the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) to invest US$61million in a three year rehabilitation programme. "These items are the priorities in terms of equipment, but in terms of civil construction and rehabilitation the immediate priorities are dredging of the harbour, drainage improvement, road and rail networks, wharves and warehouses," MPDC communications manager Emmy Bosten told FTW in Maputo last week. "A new entrance and link road connecting the port direct to the South African road system via the new N4 highway also forms part of the development project." MPDC will work in partnership with importers, exporters, industrialists and investors in both countries to promote the regional benefits of Maputo port and the planned seamless rail link, says Bosten. MPDC is an international consortium backed by UK's Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, the giant Swedish construction company Skanska and Liscont, the Portuguese port operator which has long standing relationships in Mozambique. "When the concessions are finalised, international traders will gain significant operational and commercial benefits from the improved transport systems and port efficiencies," says Bosten. "This will generate substantial investment throughout the region by associated industries wishing to take advantage of the strengthened transport links, leading to economic growth for both Mozambique and South Africa."