Moz increases weight limit for trucks on Beira corridor

Years of lobbying for an increase in the weight limit for trucks moving to and from Mozambique is paying dividends, with news that the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of trucks on the Beira Corridor to Harare has been increased from 48 to 56 tons. This means that Zimbabwe, Zambia and the DRC can be supplied from Beira with 56 ton interlinks or other vehicle combinations, according to Barney Curtis of the Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations. However, Mike Scott of logistics major Cargo Carriers says the issue in Mozambique is not only the weight limit but there could be a stipulation that prohibits threevehicle combinations. “You can use a rigid and drawbar trailer – which is a two-vehicle combination – but interlinks may not be welcomed.” It is not uncommon for the authorities in Northern Mozambique to interpret official regulations from Maputo in a different way. And this is an issue that still requires clarity. Mozambique has for many years had a GCM limit of 48 tons because its roads and bridge infrastructure, which was based on Portuguese standards, was developed to a lower standard than other countries in East and Southern Africa, Curtis explained. “Some years ago, when the N4 corridor from Maputo to Gauteng was upgraded, the limit on this corridor only was raised to 56 tons,” said Curtis. “We have, for many years, lobbied to have the Harare-Tete-Malawi corridor also increased to 56 tons, but have been repeatedly told that the Samora Machel bridge at Tete was not in good condition and could therefore not accommodate 56 tons.” Several hauliers on the route endorsed this view – although some agreed that upgrades had resulted in marginal improvement. “Despite repairs effected during the past year, truckers were told that the hanging cables needed replacing and that 56 tons would not be allowed until this was done,” said Curtis. “There’s also talk of a new bridge being built but this will be some time in the future.” The hanging cables are to be replaced later this year after which Fesarta may again lobby for the 56 tons, he added. While it has been common knowledge that Mozambique legislation provided for 56 tons on the Maputo Corridor, the extension of this to include the Beira Corridor to Harare has been welcomed – but with some reservations. “We must note that the road from Beira to Inchope is in bad condition and this must be taken into account when planning any transport operations,” says Curtis. “And while this is good news for Zimbabwe and other countries to the north, we need to consider how this affects the transportation of goods from Beira to Malawi. “The main route Beira-Vanduzi turnoff-Tete- Zobue/Mwanza- Blantyre, is still restricted by the Tete bridge to 48 tons. The alternative route – Beira-Inchope turnoff-Caia- Milange/Muloza-Blantyre - is now presumably open to 56 ton combinations. “But, the route from Caia to the border at Milange is bad and not suited to heavy combinations. In fact it may not even be suited to 48 tons.” There is also lack of clarity on which other major corridors have also increased to 56 tons – for example Maputo to Swaziland. Clearly at this stage there are more questions than answers. All in all Curtis believes that these developments will make the Mozambique corridor a more popular transport choice.