Infrastructure

Major suspension bridge over Maputo Bay

01 Nov, 2015

Maputo Bay will improve Mozambique-South Africa trade.

The governments of Mozambique and China are financing a major bridge across Maputo Bay which will become Africa’s largest suspension bridge.

The four-lane bridge will link Maputo's port facilities on the northern side of the bay with Catembe on the southern side.

The bridge, which will be 680m long and stand 60m above sea level, is scheduled for completion in December 2017.

The new structure is expected to cut about four hours off the driving time between Maputo and the South African border.

The R9.8 billion project will involve upgrading Route 202 leading south, passed the Maputo elephant game reserve, to the coastal Mozambican town of Ponta do Ouro, located about 15 km from the border with South Africa. The road is in a poor state and is accessible by jeep.

Currently commuters and traders cross the bay by ferry or spend hours driving around.

The initiative is a cross-border project to develop the area shared by South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland, and is expected to boost trade and tourism in the region.