Maputo steals a march Rail line gets clearance and major exporter switches from Durban

LEONARD NEILL
THE MOZAMBIQUE government has given the go-ahead for redevelopment of the 80km rail line between the South African border and Maputo, effectively opening the doors to the rail transport of exports through that port.
Mozambique’s Ministry of Defence last week issued a clearance certificate to Spoornet which guarantees that all mines laid along the line during the years of conflict, have been removed.
This coincides with last week’s announcement by major exporter Highveld Steel and Vanadium that it will switch its exports from Durban to Maputo, in protest at Spoornet’s inability to supply sufficient rolling stock and its increased tariffs.
Referring to the Mozambique line, Spoornet’s international joint venture chief operative Jan-Louis Spoelstra told FTW: “This has been the major reason for our delay in getting to work on that stretch of line. The mine danger has never been highlighted by the South Africans at the request of Mozambican officials. We understand that the certificate is now ready and will be reaching us shortly.”
Spoornet will move into immediate action, strengthening bridges along the route and improving the line in the sections requiring attention, says Spoelstra. Work is to be completed within two years