Peter Fitt takes a
hands-on look
FOLLOWING HEAVY floods over Easter, the Maputo corridor appears to be moving back into action according to FTW reader Peter Fitt who visited the region last week.
The Port of Maputo is on the comeback, Pedro Peno of Mozambique International Ports Services, told Fitt. Mersey Docks will manage the port and have started
surveying the dredging of the channel
and alongside the berths.
Officially they should take over in December 2000, he said. US$60 million
has been set aside for immediate
improvement to pilotage, tugs and
deepening the draft to 9,4m. Certain parts of the channel are made of rock so for the
present this is all that will be achieved.
Fitt reports that the rain has not affected the rail line north from Ressano Garcia to Maputo but as yet no cargo is moving south from Zimbabwe by rail. US$50 million has been allocated for restoration of the line and CFM has commenced with the refurbishment.
The road north from Maputo to Inhambane stops at Chissano, with a 38km detour from Chissano to Chibuto, while the officials continue repairing the old route through Xai Xai.
Cars and trucks must travel in convoy which departs north from Chissano at 07h00 and 13h00 and south from Chibuto at 06h00 and 16h00. South African-based WBHO are the contractors. October 10, 2000 is the projected completion date, although an additional three months should be added in the event of rain. No two-wheel axles
are permitted on the detour.
The rain also attracts animals of a different kind as tractors come out to prey on eager South Africans floundering in the mud.
The price of fuel in Mozambique has risen to R5,30 per litre and R3,60 for diesel.
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