Government of Maputo Province has no money to build bridge over the Umbeluzi in Boane

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Government of Maputo Province has no money to build bridge over the Umbeluzi in Boane

2:54 CAT | 06 Dec 2022

Image: O País

There is still no money for the construction of a new bridge to replace the “ponteca” over the Umbeluzi river which connects the centre of Boane to 25 peripheral neighbourhoods which rely on it.

Last rainy season, the Umbeluzi river in Boane district flooded, submerging the bridge.

“The flow of the river rose and we practically could not cross it, because the ‘ponteca’ was covered with water and the only way to pass it is by rowing boat which, many times, are not safe and the population suffers a lot,” says 25 de Junho resident Marta Cumbane.

“This bridge worries us because, every time it rains, we cannot cross,” complains Roque Ngovene, another 25 de Junho resident.

With more rain forecast, the likelihood is the “ponteca” will be submerged again. “I can have an opinion, but I don’t have the strength to do anything, because the Government can’t do anything either. The secret is to raise this bridge; that would be the solution because a higher bridge would not be submerged,” one of the residents and traders in that part of Maputo province suggested.

Cereals, coal and bricks are among the goods produced in Boane that are affected. “It was a very difficult thing, we had to stop for a week to get through and continue with the work,” one truck driver related.

The narrow “ponteca” was built in the colonial period. It is already in disrepair, and was built for very different times. Now, un-weighed cargo adds to the wear and tear on the structure.

The government of Maputo province acknowledges the need for a new bridge but says it does not have the money.

“The obstacle is funding, really. At the moment, the province of Maputo has interests in the scope of economic diplomacy in order to bring investment to the infrastructure sector, in particular to the road sector,” a government source said.

Crossing at night is accomplished in pitch dark, as there is no public lighting on the bridge.

Source: O País