Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira in NHAMATANDA, Mozambique
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is expected in Mozambique today, where he will join his counterpart, President Daniel Chapo, for a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the second phase of Companhia do Pipeline Mocambique-Zimbabwe, an expansion project that will raise the Beira-Feruka pipeline’s annual capacity and help meet increasing demand for fuel in the SADC region.
The upgrade, when completed, will result in pumping capacity rising from three million to five million cubic metres by the end of next year.
The expansion will synchronise with the PetroZim Line to reinforce fuel supply and energy security across Mozambique, Zimbabwe and other neighbouring countries like Zambia, Botswana, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Construction of two new pumping stations in Nhamatanda, Sofala Province, and Messical, Manica Province, will increase the Beira Feruka pipeline’s annual transport capacity by 67 percent, a situation that will help to meet rising demand for diesel, petrol and jet fuel across the region.
It was a hive of activity yesterday at Nhamatanda, the venue of the ceremony, as organisers made final preparations ahead of the launch.
Officials from both countries could be seen coordinating to ensure a seamless flow of today’s event, where the two leaders will unveil a plaque to signal the commencement of construction works.
The 294-kilometre Beira-Feruka pipeline is a critical component of the Beira corridor, connecting the Port of Beira with Zimbabwe and the wider Southern African hinterland.
The attendance by the two leaders from Mozambique and Zimbabwe highlights the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to developing strategic regional energy infrastructure.
The firm operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, supported by an expert technical team.
It is an investment in regional energy security, trade, logistics and economic growth, while further strengthening the strategic role of the Port of Beira and the Beira Corridor.
With longer-term plans considering a larger-diameter pipeline and a possible extension towards Zambia’s Copperbelt, Mozambique has the potential to play an even greater role in supplying fuel to the wider Southern African region.
The infrastructure demonstrates the importance of Mozambique’s geographic position as a gateway to the landlocked economies of Southern Africa.
Today’s event will also help consolidate long-standing bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, dating back to the liberation struggle where Maputo helped in the execution of the war of liberation.
