The China-built Maputo Bridge in Mozambique has been connecting the local people across the Maputo Bay, significantly improving the capital's road network and earning praise from the Mozambican people, from the grassroots to the President.
As the busiest port in Africa, Maputo Port, located in the capital of Mozambique, has brought resources and opportunities to the country, while also dividing Maputo City into two. Before the Maputo Bridge was built in 2018, local residents had to take ferries to shuffle between the city center, on the north bank, and its disjunct suburb of Katembe on the southern bank.
"Above all, the most challenging issue was the capacity and the speed of ferry boats. If you wanted to go there and enjoy the beach or the restaurants there, you would have to go too early to stand in the queue for long hours, until your turn to board the ferry that arrives. And you will lose your Sunday or your Saturday just waiting for your turn to cross," shared Magaya, a builder on the Maputo Bridge.
In November 2018, the bridge, built by a Chinese company, started operation, shortening the travel time from hours to minutes. Local residents have since referred to the Maputo Bridge as a concrete marvel and "the Bridge of Dream."
"We had some biggest problems in traveling from Katembe to Maputo. We didn't have any opportunities to do small businesses. Fortunately, (the bridge) has changed a lot of things here in Mozambique, has brought a very good economic change for people who are living here in Mozambique," said a resident in Katembe.
"In one morning, they will do something that was impossible in two or three days before," said Magaya.
In an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) that aired on Friday, Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo called the bridge a hallmark of Mozambique's infrastructure construction and the enduring friendship between the two countries.
"The Maputo Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in Africa. For us, it is a powerful testament to half a century of cooperation between Mozambique and China, and a vivid example of the many achievements we have made together over the past fifty years, also a landmark and symbol of China-Africa cooperation," said Chapo.
The President expects to see more infrastructure projects in the country, and an ever-stronger tie between China and Mozambique.
"Indeed, this bridge is a hallmark. But in fact, we want to continue building more projects. Mozambique has abundant mineral and energy resources, such as natural gas, as well as a wide range of industrial zones and a real estate industry. We believe that with more infrastructure, especially N1, Mozambique will achieve even faster development. I am very fond of a Chinese saying: 'If you want to get rich, build roads first,'" said Chapo.
China-built Maputo Bridge gains praise from community to president
