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Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo has requested assistance from Chinese companies to rehabilitate the National Highway Number One (N1) and advance the Mapai dam project. Citing damage from rainfall, Chapo emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and water management solutions, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in these efforts.
Africa-Press – Mozambique. Mozambique’s president requested support from Chinese companies to rehabilitate National Highway Number One (N1), the country’s main road, and to progress with the Mapai dam. Daniel Chapo cited damage caused by rainfall and the urgent need for water management.
“In the area of roads, national highway number one, which is the main road in Mozambique (…) is one of our great concerns, and we believe the company has a great capacity (…) to build this road as it should be,” said Daniel Chapo. Media outlets quoted the president on Monday during his visit to a Chinese energy sector company.
The N1 suffers recurring damage during the rainy season, particularly between January and March, due to intense precipitation and Mozambique’s geographical location, according to the head of state. President Chapo therefore defended the need for structural and lasting solutions, including improved infrastructure quality and strengthened cooperation with international partners possessing technical expertise in the sector.
He highlighted the importance of investing in water resource management infrastructure, pointing to the Mapai dam in the northern part of Gaza province, along the Limpopo River, as a strategic project for flood control.
“We have a dam that, if built, would be very good for water control (…) and we believe the company has the capacity to conduct a water control study and build dams in the right places,” Chapo said.
He expressed his impression of the Chinese firm’s technological capacity in solar, wind, and hydro energy. He advocated for increased cooperation to expand energy production in Mozambique. The Mozambican government intends to leverage Chinese experience to boost new power generation projects as part of the diversification of the national energy matrix, Chapo added.
Mozambique’s president has been in China since last week for a state visit.
Mozambique and China are currently marking 50 years of diplomatic relations and seeking to deepen strategic cooperation.
Mozambique has faced significant challenges with its infrastructure, particularly during the rainy season when roads like the N1 suffer extensive damage. The government has recognized the need for sustainable solutions to enhance road quality and water management, particularly in flood-prone areas. The Mapai dam project is seen as a crucial initiative for controlling water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region, aligning with Mozambique’s broader goals of improving infrastructure and energy production through international partnerships.
