MAPUTO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo on Friday attended the inauguration ceremony of a jetty bridge on Inhaca Island in Maputo Bay, a project built by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
Located about 30 km from the capital, Maputo, Inhaca Island has around 6,000 residents and is known for its tourism resources. Previously, shallow waters around the island prevented large passenger boats from docking directly, forcing passengers to transfer to smaller boats and wade ashore.
The newly completed jetty bridge, with a total length of about 1.3 km, allows passenger vessels to dock under different tidal conditions. Visitors can now reach the island directly via the jetty, improving the safety and efficiency of passenger transport.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chapo said the infrastructure would help improve mobility and create new opportunities for economic and tourism development on the island.
Wang Lijun, general manager of the CRBC, said the project will help facilitate the movement of people and goods and contribute to the development of tourism and the local economy.
The jetty is located near the environmentally sensitive waters of Maputo National Park. Wang said environmental protection measures were strictly implemented throughout construction. Third-party institutions conducted regular seawater and air quality monitoring and all construction waste was transported to the mainland for proper disposal.
Construction also faced logistical challenges due to shallow waters and limited maritime transport resources. More than 30,000 tonnes of construction materials were transported from the mainland, mainly via barges towed by local vessels.
During peak construction, the project created around 300 jobs, most filled by local workers.
Bruno Chanicomo, a local tour guide, said the new facility would make it easier for visitors to reach the island and is expected to bring more tourists and business opportunities to the local community. ■