Zambézia plagued by degradation of road network

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Zambézia plagued by degradation of road network

8:08 CAT | 02 Jun 2021

Photo: O País

The province of Zambézia is facing a marked degradation of a large part of its road network, the about 300 kilometres of designated national roads between Nampevo in Mocuba district and Ile and Gurué districts and Mulumbo being a prime example.

Motorists using that stretch of road, whether to transport agricultural produce or passengers, have been calling without success for intervention by the authorities.

“It is not possible to drive like this. We are facing an intolerable situation. We ask those who are in charge, with responsibility to improve this, to attend to this as a matter of urgency, because our vehicles can no longer stand it. Maintenance costs are unbearable,” said Soares Jonasse, who drives the Ile-to-Gurué stretch.

A source from the National Road Administration (ANE) said that Zambezia province has more than 5,000 kilometres of roads, with over 60% of the network in a dire state. The remaining 40% is paved, but also needs rehabilitation.

Mayor of Gurué, José Aniceto, adds that tea and macadamia concerns are also up in arms about the level of road degradation, and have already made known their dissatisfaction.

“On the road between Gurué and National Road Number One, the companies use trailers. The danger of those vehicles falling off bridges is greater because of the degradation of the roads,” the mayor said, demanding that the authorities in charge of roads do their part.

Pending intervention by the authorities, children are taking on the role of contractors, filling the holes with hoes and shovels in exchange for small change from motorists. The situation sees them playing truant to work on the roads under the very eye of those charged with maintaining order.

Contacted regarding the state of the roads in the province, Secretary of State for Zambezia Judith Mussácula would say only that a meeting planned for the beginning of June and involving officials from the road sector would discuss mechanisms for solving the problem.

“Yes, we are going to hold a meeting, at which we will talk seriously about our roads. We are going to invite everyone to take part and assess the situation,” Mussacula said.

According to our enquiries, the province needs at least 800 million meticais to rehabilitate the road network, principally between the district headquarter villages.

By Jorge Marcos

Source: O Pais