Construction on six new bridges in Mozambique has been completed, putting a major infrastructure project back on track after it was nearly derailed by a natural disaster.

The Compact 200 bridges, supplied by UK manufacturer Mabey Bridge, are helping to move along put a major infrastructure project in the Ile District after heavy flooding in January 2015 washed away most of the road infrastructure, including a concrete bridge, and threatened the completion of a major road building project in the region.

The road building project, which is being carried out in the Zambezia Province in Mozambique is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a governmental agency that coordinates official development assistance (ODA) on behalf the government of Japan and which is highly active in Africa.

JICA’s contractor, KONOIKE-DAIHO, turned to Mabey Bridge to help resolve the issue, and the installation of 6 Compact 200 modular bridges commenced in November last year.

A tough temporary solution

The bridges are each 30.48 metres in length and comprise one lane, providing temporary relief until a more permanent structure can be built.

Although temporary, they are designed to bear the weight of the major road building equipment that the contractor is bringing onto site to recommence building of the road network.

Once completed the new 225 km long highway will link Ile with Cuamba.

“We’re exceptionally proud of the speed at which we were able to provide a response to the customer and of the support we were able to provide in helping the JICA obtain funding approval quickly,” says Mark Wong, Mabey Bridge General Sales Manager – Asia, Commenting on the support provided by his Company.

“Once installed, our temporary bridges will enable a major infrastructure project to recommence. We are delighted to have been able to support a customer in this way,” he concludes.