A few years ago, the World Bank stepped up as a key partner for Mozambique, aiming to rebuild roads that have become increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters.
Now, the Mozambican government is taking action. They’ve announced a public tender in early June to rehabilitate sections of National Road Number 1.
Key Project Details
Carlos Mesquita, the Minister of Public Works, revealed that the contracts will cover a 508km stretch of road, along with other routes. The World Bank has committed a substantial $850 million USD in funding to support this effort.
A National Network Upgrade
The sections slated for rehabilitation are part of the country’s main 2,400km corridor, connecting the south, center, and north. This project is a key element of a broader government program, unveiled in August 2022, with the ambitious goal of rehabilitating 5,000km of roads by the end of 2024.
Building Resilience Against Climate Challenges
Mozambique’s road network, already sparse, faces significant resilience challenges due to its exposure to extreme weather events like torrential rains and cyclones. These challenges demand substantial and ongoing investment.
Benefits Beyond the Road
This project is expected to deliver a wide range of benefits. It will improve accessibility to various regions, reduce transportation costs (financial, environmental, and travel time), and enhance the overall resilience of the road network. Additionally, it will bolster security in the north, where some areas are home to armed groups.