US grant to support road repairs in Cabo Delgado

According to a press release from the US Embassy in Maputo, the focus of this project is to continue with the improvement of the R698 road, which serves as a travel and transport corridor for communities affected by natural disasters and the violence in the northern region of Mozambique.

The construction work will include spot improvements, construction of drainage structures and the construction of a load control centre.

The release says that this work “is part of the larger US Government commitment to work with Mozambique to achieve peace and stability in the country, region, and world through the US Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability”.

The release notes that raids by terrorists associated with the self-styled “Islamic State”, and their occupation of parts of the province “have resulted in significant damage and destruction to infrastructure, including transportation in Cabo Delgado”.

With the new agreement, USAID will extend its support to the National Road Administration (ANE) and the Mozambican Road Fund (FE). “This project”, says the release, “will improve road R698 to provide a safe alternative secondary access road between the southern and northern districts of Cabo Delgado. The implementation of this activity will greatly support access to goods, humanitarian assistance, and post-conflict recovery”.

Cited by the release, USAID Mission Director Helen Pataki said, “Building on a historic relationship between the U.S. Government and ANE, these combined grants of 4.3 million dollars are a physical demonstration of the commitment of the American people to Mozambique. We are here today, as a sign of our successful bilateral partnership in the roads sector.”

USAID says it is investing two million dollars in this agreement over the next two years. This adds to a previous grant of 2.3 million dollars for ANE.

The release says that “support for infrastructure is a critical component of the broader US Government assistance in Mozambique”.

(AIM)