The Public Railway and Port Company of Mozambique (CFM) has interrupted the circulation of long-distance freight and passenger trains on the Ressano Garcia and Goba railway lines, which connect Mozambique to South Africa and Essuatíni, as a result of ongoing maintenance work.

The executive director of CFM in the southern region, Emídio Bata, was quoted by Rádio Moçambique as saying that a total of 14 freight trains will not run on the two railway lines over the next two weeks.

"The passenger trains on the two rail lines will shorten distances, with the Ressano line going to Matola-Gare station and the Goba line to the town of Boane," he said.

Bata said that the maintenance work already underway on the two railway lines includes, among other activities, the replacement of rails to make the trains safer.

The source also explained that in order to avoid a negative impact on the country's economy as a result of the two-week stoppage of long-distance trains, the company has drawn up a coordinated plan with the South African and Eswatini authorities.

"The trains won't be fully operational again until June 14," he said.