The consortium is formed by the Mozambican building company CETA, and the Italian firm CMC. Their task involves repairing 24 of the city's roads.
They must not only resurface the roads, but also install a new stormwater drainage system. In much of the city, the current drainage system is blocked, with the result that roads turn into rivers every time there is some heavy rain.
The project is budgeted at 22.3 million US dollars, financed by the Arab Bank for the Economic Development of Africa (BADEA).
The work is to be completed within 18 months.
After signing Monday's agreement, the Mayor of Maputo, Eneas Comiche, warned that this was only a start, and many more roads in the city need major repairs - some of them, such as securing the coast road against erosion, very expensive.
"The negotiations we have been undertaking with our partners are encouraging", said Comiche. "Hence we hope that the roads that remain will also be rehabilitated in the near future".
The agreement with the consortium includes heavy penalty clauses for undue delays in completing the work. The consortium's representative pledged that the two companies will do all in their power not to disappoint the City Council.
SOURCE: AIM
