Gravel theft endangers railway in northern Mozambique

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Gravel theft endangers railway in northern Mozambique

1:39 CAT | 02 Mar 2017

DW / Muddy track as a result of gravel theft

People living near the Lichinga-Cuamba line in northern Mozambique have been removing gravel from the railway to use in private construction works. District administrator Alberto Mussa says the most recent case occurred in the village of Micava in Lichinga.

“We are very concerned because we have noticed that in our part of Lichinga, especially near Mitade, there is sabotage happening with the removal of gravel from along the railway line, which can only damage us ourselves,” he says.

The Corredor de Desenvolvimento do Norte company, owner of the railway, is also concerned. Line supervisor Carlos Mucave, told DW Africa that the ongoing gravel theft was dangerous and could have “drastic consequences” for the railway.

Mosambik Eisenbahn Lichinga-Cuamba — Lichinga-Cuamba railway

“Once the ballast is removed from the railway line,” he explains, “energy is no longer dissipated and hits the railroad platform itself directly, damaging the platform, breaking rails and possibly causing derailments.”

Damage of various kinds

Mucave also warns that worse could happen: “We could probably seen loss of life, which we do not want at this moment.”

In addition to the gravel theft, members of local communities are also accused of stealing the glass from train carriage windows by authorities.

Acts of vandalism are slowing the development of the province, the district administrator warns. Alberto Mussa appeals to community leaders for greater vigilance.

“I want to make another request to the entire community leadership of the district of Lichinga and the city together to ensure that our railway is not vandalized, because we bear the prime responsibility, as those who have received this great railway infrastructure here in Niassa.”

Source: Deutsche Welle