Private investment was fundamental in the construction of the new bridge over the Lúrio River, an infrastructure linking the provinces of Niassa and Nampula, which was recently inaugurated by Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi. The company DHY Mining Development, which explores and processes graphite in the Nipepe district of Niassa, was responsible for implementing the project in partnership with the Mozambican government, making this important work of connectivity possible.
With a length of 300 metres, the bridge plays a crucial role in connecting the districts of Nipepe and Lalaua, areas with strong agricultural and mining potential. This new infrastructure will facilitate the transport and disposal of products such as peanuts, corn, sesame, cashews, cotton, tobacco and graphite, boosting local economic activities.
The project went beyond simply building the bridge. It also included the rehabilitation of 122 kilometres of dirt road, stretching from Nipepe-Sede**, in Niassa, to Namikuna, in the district of Malema, in Nampula province. Along this route, several aqueducts and bridges were built, guaranteeing improved transport conditions and road safety.
In addition, the project included the resettlement of affected communities, with the construction of 125 houses, 65 of which have already been completed, as well as the drilling of four boreholes and the installation of two small water supply systems.
In terms of social responsibility, the project also included the rehabilitation of the streets of the Nipepe district headquarters and localised improvements to the Nicutha-Nipepe and Nipepe-Nungo dirt roads.
At the inauguration ceremony, President Filipe Nyusi emphasised the importance of this bridge for the local population, who previously resorted to canoes or risked crossing the river directly, often facing dangerous situations.
‘The long journey that used to link Nipepe and Lalauade by car is also a thing of the past. Before, it was necessary to travel around 500 kilometres, passing through the districts of Maúa, Metarica, Cuamba and Malema, to cover a distance of just 300 metres. Today, this journey can be made in a few minutes, by car, bicycle or even on foot,’ said Nyusi.
The President also emphasised that the absence of this link not only increased transport costs, but also limited the population’s access to essential services such as health and education.
Now, with the new bridge, the inhabitants of Niassa can access the markets in Nampula much more easily, promoting local trade and the exchange of goods and services.
This connectivity will benefit both traders and consumers, who will have access to a greater diversity of products at more competitive prices.
The Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, Carlos Mesquita, who was present at the ceremony, pointed out that during Filipe Nyusi’s administration, around 4561 metres of bridges have been built in various regions of the country. He also said that the Metuchira bridge, in Manica province, would be inaugurated by the end of September, and that the bridge over the Revúbue river, in Tete province, would be delivered soon.
The new bridge over the Lúrio River has been classified as a key element in strengthening connectivity and economic development between the provinces of Nampula and Niassa.
Semanário Económico
