Nampula’s economy is set to receive a fresh boost with the construction of a permanent bridge over the Nihequihi River, a strategic infrastructure project expected to facilitate the movement of people and goods between the districts of Nacala-à-Velha and Memba, opening up new opportunities for trade, private investment and regional development.
The significance of the project prompted the provincial governor, Eduardo Mariamo Abdula, to visit the site on Tuesday (3 November) to assess the progress of construction work first-hand. During the visit, the governor expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved but stressed the need to maintain rigorous technical standards, given the bridge’s importance for the movement of people and goods.
The construction project addresses the need for improved connectivity between the two districts, in a region where better transport links could play a decisive role in facilitating the distribution of agricultural and fisheries products and attracting new investment.
A complex engineering project under technical supervision
The scale and characteristics of the infrastructure require particular care during construction. Eduardo Mariamo Abdula acknowledged the complexity of the undertaking, emphasising the importance of ensuring the quality and durability of the future crossing.
“This is a highly specialised civil engineering project,” the governor stated, expressing confidence in the technical capabilities of the company responsible for carrying out the work and meeting the established requirements.
According to the official timetable, construction is expected to be completed between June and August 2027. Until then, one of the main challenges will be ensuring that the works do not disrupt road traffic, particularly with the rainy season approaching.
To address this concern, plans are in place to establish an alternative diversion route to maintain access for residents and transport operators while construction of the permanent bridge continues.
A connection with an impact beyond the two districts
Beyond providing a crossing over the Nihequihi River, the new bridge is expected to create conditions for increased trade between Nacala-à-Velha and Memba, reducing obstacles to the movement of goods and improving access to markets.
Agriculture and fishing are among the sectors expected to benefit directly from the infrastructure. Both are vital to the local economy, and their growth depends to a considerable extent on reliable road connections.
Eduardo Mariamo Abdula argued that improved connectivity would have positive effects not only on the two districts but also across Nampula province, with potential benefits for the national economy.
With completion scheduled for 2027, the bridge over the Nihequihi River therefore represents an investment in territorial and economic integration, aimed at transforming a road connection into an opportunity for development for local communities and businesses throughout the region.
