Mozambique’s Maputo-Catembe Bridge is due to open shortly and will become Africa’s longest suspension bridge. The 3km bridge will form part of the road connection between Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, and Catembe. The bridge is costing over US$700 million, with much of the necessary funding being provided by the Export Import Bank of China. The new bridge will improve transport and reduce journey times for drivers, who currently have to rely on ferries travelling between Maputo and Catembe.
Construction work commenced in 2014 and was originally expected to be complete by 2017 but the project was delayed due to hold ups with supplies of necessary materials. The construction work is being carried out by the Chinese contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
The bridge project forms part of a larger package of works for new road connections, including a 120km link from Catembe to Ponto do Ouro, on the border with neighbouring South Africa’s Natal Province. Another 65km road meanwhile will connect Vela Vista with Boane. In all the road projects include upgrades to five bridges spanning the Tember River, Changane River, Mahube River, Boane River and Umbeluzi River.
The bridge and road projects are of major economic importance for Mozambique as the work will improve tourism, trade and transport with its neighbours, South Africa and Swaziland.
