The contractor responsible for sanitation and drainage works in the city of Maputo has formally requested that the Municipality extend the project's execution deadline, which was originally set for 27 October.
According to O País newspaper, the request is still under review and no decision on a possible extension has been reached to date. The works have been ongoing for approximately three years and have caused significant disruption across several parts of the capital, particularly in the city centre.
Danúbio Lado, Director of the Strategic and Institutional Development Office at the Maputo Municipality, confirmed that the company submitted a formal extension request, citing difficulties encountered during the execution of the works.
He said the final decision will be taken following a technical assessment on the ground, aimed at verifying whether the grounds presented by the contractor justify granting additional time. The Municipality has not disclosed how much extra time was requested.
While the review is ongoing, the works are expected to continue affecting road traffic, particularly at the intersection of Avenida 25 de Setembro and Avenida Guerra Popular, where interventions are planned between 8 September and 25 October. Despite the works, Avenida 25 de Setembro is not expected to be fully closed to traffic.
The Municipality is nonetheless recommending that motorists use alternative routes, with Avenida Eduardo Mondlane, Avenida Guerra Popular, and Avenida Josina Machel highlighted as preferred options. The intervention comes as the rainy season approaches, increasing pressure to complete the drainage infrastructure on time. 'With this intervention we intend to create the connection to drain water from upstream to downstream into Maputo Bay,' Danúbio Lado explained.
The project aims to improve the sanitation and drainage system of the capital, particularly in areas frequently affected by rainwater accumulation. Should the contractor's request be approved, the original schedule may be revised, extending works beyond October and prolonging traffic restrictions on some of the city's main thoroughfares.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=537472
