Mozambique needs $70-million to restore the port of Beira, which handles imports and exports for Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and other regional states, an official at the state Ports and Railways Company CFM said last week. CFM spokesman Antonio Libombo said dredging work was necessary to allow the movement of ships and to accommodate an expected 20 million tonnes of coal exports from nearby mines.
"We are seeking $70-million dollars to rehabilitate the entrance of the port including the purchase of a new dredger," he told Reuters, adding the company was discussing loans with several international banks.
"We are currently working on the international tender (for construction), which we hope to launch soonest."
The government had delayed the upgrade of the second largest port in Mozambique, located about 1 250 km north of the capital Maputo, due to high costs.
Modernizing Mozambique's ports, which were badly damaged in a 17-year civil war that ended in 1992, is a key part of Mozambican President Armando Guebuza's efforts to boost foreign investment and trade.
The government is also rehabilitating the Sena railroad, which runs inland from the port, at an estimated cost over $300-million.
"We are seeking $70-million dollars to rehabilitate the entrance of the port including the purchase of a new dredger," he told Reuters, adding the company was discussing loans with several international banks.
"We are currently working on the international tender (for construction), which we hope to launch soonest."
The government had delayed the upgrade of the second largest port in Mozambique, located about 1 250 km north of the capital Maputo, due to high costs.
Modernizing Mozambique's ports, which were badly damaged in a 17-year civil war that ended in 1992, is a key part of Mozambican President Armando Guebuza's efforts to boost foreign investment and trade.
The government is also rehabilitating the Sena railroad, which runs inland from the port, at an estimated cost over $300-million.