Mozambique: Tropical Storm Jude – Road closures paralyze the economy of the northern region

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Mozambique: Tropical Storm Jude – Road closures paralyze the economy of the northern region

11:57 CAT | 13 Mar 2025

File photo: Noticias

The cutting of National Highways Numbers One (N1) and Twelve (N12) between the provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado by Tropical Storm Jude is having an impact not only on the movement of people and goods but on economic activity in the northern region of the country overall.

Cuts in parts of these strategic routes are affecting trade, industry, mobility and tourism, areas where continued investment in infrastructure and security is essential to ensure their sustainability. For example, the collapse of the bridge at the administrative post of Namialo, on the N1 and N12, both crossing the Monapo river in the district of that name, as well as the cut in Anchilo and damage to roads in Nacala-a-Velha, routes considered vital for the flow of goods, could compromise the pace of economic growth seen in recent times.

The northern region of the country is known for its agricultural production, particularly cotton, sesame and cashew nuts, and the closure of roads makes it difficult for them to reach markets, resulting in financial losses for farmers and businesspeople involved in the respective value chain.

National Roads Administration (ANE) delegate in Nampula, Mateus Espírito Santo, has been monitoring the places where roads have been cut and assessing solutions.

At the moment, it is not possible to reach Cabo Delgado via the N1, especially at the two cut points. In the case of the 50- metre Namialo bridge over the Monapo river, the situation is precarious and of extreme concern. Anyone who wants to cross is liable to a fee of 250.00 meticais.

In total, 14 road severances affecting Nampula caused by Tropical Storm Jude have so far been recorded, according to the provincial director of Public Works, Faquir Massalo. The same source reports that the sector already has a plan for interventions on tertiary roads, and support has been mobilized for the restoration of roads where traffic is interrupted.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Operations Committee (COE), led by the president of the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), Luísa Meque, and which includes the provincial governor, Eduardo Abdula, and the provincial secretary of state, Plácido Pereira, met yesterday in the city of Nampula with members of the government and cooperation partners to discuss ways to assist families affected by the
phenomenon.

According to Meque, there are presently three mobile bridges in the province, and the Public Works sector is responsible for mapping the locations that need to install infrastructure to facilitate the mobility of people and goods. As of yesterday, there were already signs of work on the ground, especially in the Anchilo area, where the government mobilized the contractor who began repairing the cut in the road by placing rocks, as well as
opening a detour.

Source: Noticias