The Mozambique government says it has in recent years prioritized developments in the rail sector that is witnessing a major boost as private sector firms have begun renovations of the new lines to help transport people and goods.
At 4:00 am in north-eastern Mozambique, lies a small railway station in Nampula. The train to Cuamba, some 350 km further in the north west is more than full as it is every day, to the detriment of those slow to board and forced to stand.
“We have had a very positive evolution from 2016 to 2017. In terms of goods, we have had a 65% increase, we transport 400,000 tonnes (per year). And in terms of passenger traffic, we have the biggest increase, by 275%’‘said Sergio Paunde, spokesperson for the Northern development corridor.
For the country’s government, developing the train network is a priority as it is part of its economic plan but the public debt has forced the authorities to cede control of the project to the private sector.
During rush hours, five or six passengers use seats designed for four, and passengers are not pleased with the inconvenience this creates.
“It is no longer possible, there are not enough cars and there are too many of us. The train’s always full, there’s not enough room,” said one passenger, Argentina Armando.
But it seems more investments are needed in a country that faces challenges with its transportation industry.
