The Government of Mozambique, through the Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MTL), inaugurated on Monday, November 3, the Khongolote–National Road Number One (N1) in the municipality of Matola. The project, valued at 278 million meticais (about 4.4 million USD), was financed by the World Bank under the Urban Mobility Project for the Greater Matola Metropolitan Area (MOVE-Matola).
The project aims to improve mobility, accessibility, and urban safety in the region. MOVE-Matola is part of a broader effort to modernize the transport system and strengthen road infrastructure across Greater Maputo.
The road, previously in critical condition due to erosion and lack of lighting, underwent major rehabilitation works, including the construction of drainage systems, road signage, sidewalks, speed bumps, street lighting, and pedestrian safety bays.
According to Minister of Transport and Logistics João Matlombe, the road symbolizes the government’s commitment to urban development and improving citizens’ quality of life.
“This is not merely an engineering project. It is a concrete response to the aspirations of a more accessible, safe, and fair country. It is the bridge to schools, jobs, markets, and essential services,” said the minister, emphasizing the project’s social impact.
Matlombe added that improved lighting and increased pedestrian activity along the road will help reduce crime levels.
“With this road, we are creating a safer environment. Areas that were once dark and isolated are now well-lit and active, reducing crime and increasing public confidence,” he said.
Residents of Khongolote, Ndlavela, and Zona Verde welcomed the project, saying it will ease local mobility, reduce congestion, and boost economic activity. They also noted that the improved lighting and greater movement of people will enhance community security.
Matola Mayor Júlio Parruque said the new road represents a “new way of doing things,” adding that local authorities will continue upgrading other municipal roads to improve traffic circulation. Matola has over 900 kilometers of roads, but only 30% are paved, underscoring the project’s importance to the city.
Minister Matlombe stressed that the road was built to high-quality standards, ensuring greater durability and lower maintenance costs, and urged citizens to participate actively in its upkeep, reminding that “active citizenship is essential to preserve public assets.”
He added that the next step will be to organize and expand public transport services to make full use of the new road. The Khongolote–N1 link is part of the preparatory works for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, a modern, fast, and efficient public transport model using high-capacity buses running on dedicated lanes, offering greater safety, comfort, and punctuality to passengers.
Source: Agência de Informação de Moçambique (AIM)
