Traffic has been restored on the Mozambique road connecting the south and north of Cabo Delgado.

The Government of Mozambique announced this Thursday the restoration of traffic on the section of the National Road 380 (N380), which connects the south and north of the province of Cabo Delgado, which has suffered in the last two months from damage caused by heavy rains.

“As a result of this, the areas of Muidumbe, Mueda, Nangade, Mocimboa da Praia and Palma, located in the northern region of Cabo Delgado, have been severely affected in terms of the supply of goods of all types, including fuel, resulting in higher prices. production has increased sharply,” admitted the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources Carlos Mesquita.

According to the ministry, three damages occurred on the N380 section in the village of Miangalehua two months ago, making the movement of vehicles impossible “due to water damage resulting from the heavy rains recorded in this province,” thus disrupting communications. between Macomia and the districts of Muimdumbe, Nangade, Mueda, Mocimboa da Praia and Palma.

The ministry added that the intervention had not been carried out previously due to the need to evaluate the intervention on the ground.

“We didn’t even know the extent of the damage that was happening. And, as soon as this was allowed, we moved forward. However, we already imagined, based on the experience we had in the past, what might be necessary,” the minister admitted, in turn.

Following an assessment, “rapid, albeit temporary, access” was created, allowing the road to be reopened to traffic.

“Soon after that, about 120 trucks passed by (…). I think that from now on the same desire that unfortunately existed when prices increased, I hope that traders will have to reduce them,” the government official emphasized.

In Cabo Delgado, Carlos Mesquita also announced the continuation of restrictions on the Regional Road 698 (R698), which serves as an alternative to connect the south and north of this province, on the 206-kilometer Montepuez-Mueda section. which will continue to be limited to vehicles under 10 tonnes for a further two weeks while emergency work continues.

“To ensure the completion of the pavement and the removal of unsuitable soil for road maintenance, as well as periodic maintenance work in other areas,” said Carlos Mesquita.

Heavy rains felt throughout Cabo Delgado province in recent weeks have caused serious damage to the road network, limiting the passability of some roads crossing the Montepuez and Messalo river basins, the ministry admits.

To respond to the traffic situation in the northern part of the province, three contractors have been awarded “emergency contracts” to repair the R698 Montepuez-Mueda road, divided into three lots.

These works are also carried out in areas affected by rebel attacks that have affected the province of Cabo Delgado for more than six years, which also affects normal work.