10
Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative
Same song, different rhythm
Even though the restructuring will mark the beginning of a new
era, the challenges facing MCLI continue largely unchanged.
The top priority remains transforming the N4 border crossing
between Mozambique and South Africa at Lebombo/Ressano
Garcia into an efficient, one-stop 24/7 operation. Although both
governments signed up to this goal in 2007, the project hasn’t
been fully realised for a host of reasons, including legal
complexities and infrastructure restraints.
Despite this, MCLI has won many battles on this issue down
the years. Trucks now use a different border operation to
general traffic, the hours of operation have been extended and
there is a new computer system in place that promises a more
efficient service. But the ultimate goal of a round-the-clock
operation remains elusive.
At the moment, the hours of operation differ according to
whom or what needs to cross the border but it is never longer
than 18 hours per day. With traffic growing at ever-increasing
rates, this will soon translate into longer queues and a cost
burden on trade links. In turn, this will mean less revenue for
companies and governments, putting jobs and economies on
the line.
“The border crossing ultimately controls the potential of the
Maputo Corridor,” says Mommen. “The Maputo Corridor stands
and falls by how fast and easy it is to cross the border between
Mozambique and South Africa. Inefficiency at the border means
inefficiency along the entire route.”
Network Integration
It would be a big disappointment not to maximise the
effectiveness of a route that MCLI has done so much to improve
and promote.
In terms of the road connection, the N4 toll route is working
well. Traffic is experiencing double-digit increases year-on-year
and this has led to a large-scale project to widen and upgrade
the road. The N4’s operator, Trans African Concessions (Pty) Ltd
(TRAC) spent R3 billion on the road’s initial construction and will
invest a similar amount before the end of its 30-year concession
in 2027.
There are six toll plazas along the 630 km highway, as well as
extensive support facilities, including 24-hour roadside
assistance. It is estimated that up to 800 trucks a day pass
through the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border crossing, which
proves the viability of the N4. This is a road that companies are
happy to use.
As for rail, there is talk of doubling the line between Ressano
Garcia and Maputo. “This would complement the major
investment in rail being made at Port Maputo through its
operator, the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) and
integrate MPDC’s efforts into a wider transport network,” says
Mommen. “A port isn’t the end or start of a journey. It is just an
important node in a vast network. So we need to work on
facilitating that integration, which would benefit all parties.”
A more comprehensive network infrastructure might go some
way to redressing the trade imbalance that currently exists.
Mommen reveals that at the moment 75% of trade flows out of
The top priority remains transforming the
N4 border crossing between Mozambique
and South Africa at Lebombo/Ressano
Garcia into an efficient, one-stop 24/7
operation.
Inside MCLI
