Residents of Tete city expressed satisfaction with the rehabilitation of a road section linking the FIPAG water supply system to the Bairro Azul terminal in the Chingodzi neighbourhood. Inaugurated last Wednesday, the paved road, approximately one and a half kilometres long, has eased traffic for vehicles and pedestrians in an area previously marked by potholes and clouds of dust, according to the newspaper O País.
Despite general satisfaction with improved mobility, local residents expressed concern over the absence of speed bumps and drainage ditches along the route. Many fear that, without these complementary infrastructures, the road’s durability could be compromised and road safety at risk, particularly in critical points.
“Before, it was a nightmare to move around here; potholes were everywhere. Now it’s much better, but we ask that speed bumps be installed and drainage ditches built. There are dangerous curves and a lot of water flows in this area,” appealed Tomé Santos, a resident, directly addressing municipal authorities.
Another resident, João Evaristo, recalled the previous state of the road: “It was full of potholes; driving here required a lot of attention. Now it’s much improved, but we hope it doesn’t stop here.” Meanwhile, Osvaldo Manhiça noted that, although the new asphalt has significantly reduced dust, there is still concern about the lack of drainage ditches, which could compromise the structure during the rainy season.
The road, whose construction cost the municipal coffers approximately 437,000 dollars, is part of Tete Municipality’s plan to improve urban roads. Confronted with criticism regarding the lack of safety and water management features, Mayor César de Carvalho acknowledged the project’s limitations but assured that corrections could be made in the short term.
“It’s a minor issue and within our reach. We did the essential part, which is the road. Speed bumps are not major works; we can install them quickly,” said the mayor, suggesting that the process could begin soon.
Carvalho also revealed that a new project is planned for this year to improve around four kilometres of the road connecting the Canongola neighbourhood to Kwachena Market, continuing the city’s efforts to rehabilitate urban infrastructure.
