The Mozambican government on Monday (13) acknowledged the challenges in financing the construction and maintenance of the road network in Southern Africa, calling for joint mobilization of resources. The Executive advocated for greater involvement in the development of logistics corridors and private sector participation in their maintenance.
“The challenge of sustainable financing remains central. Investment needs remain high in a context where a significant part of the region’s road network is still made up of unpaved roads, while there is also a significant backlog in maintenance,” said the Secretary of State for Transport, Chinguane Mabote.
The official spoke in Maputo at the opening of the focal group meeting of the Southern Africa branch of the Association of African Road Maintenance Funds (ARMFA). On the occasion, he called for greater coordination between road funds to ensure financing for logistics corridors.
According to Chinguane Mabote, this coordination will help ensure consistent service levels along transport chains connecting countries in the region. He also stressed the need to consolidate traditional sources of financing.
“It is essential to consolidate and optimize traditional sources of funding, including fuel levies, road taxes, tolls, vehicle circulation taxes, and other instruments based on the user-pays principle,” he said.
The Secretary of State for Transport also called for stronger financial management through digitalization, in order to improve efficiency in revenue collection and allocation. He further appealed for good governance by entities responsible for road management.
“It is essential to promote greater participation of users and the private sector in financing the maintenance and rehabilitation of road infrastructure, as well as to prepare road funds for emerging challenges from the energy transition, which may imply a gradual reduction in traditional revenues,” Chinguane Mabote added.
The official stated that the economic transformation of Southern Africa depends on efficient and interconnected infrastructure, reinforcing cooperation with neighboring countries and regional organizations. The goal is to ensure integration of road networks and harmonization of management procedures.
At the same event, ARMFA Vice President Ângelo Macuácua pointed to challenges related to rising fuel prices. According to him, this situation creates pressure to reduce fees while also decreasing the revenue needed for infrastructure maintenance.
Source: Lusa
