The Government and the World Bank are negotiating a $600 million financial package for the rehabilitation of critical sections of National Road Number 1 (EN1), which connects the country from north to south.

The fact was made public, last Friday, by the Minister of Public Works and Housing, João Machatine, at the end of the VIII sector coordinating council that he heads.

On the same occasion, the governor announced that the first phase of the Self-Sustained Road Maintenance Program (PROASME), now underway, has already allowed the periodic and routine maintenance of about 1,500 kilometers throughout the country.

The program, already running at 35%, also makes it possible to triple revenues, with the available volume amounting to 325%.

He also explained that the program is part of the Government's alternatives to reduce the funding deficit that is occurring in the area of roads. The sector, according to Machatine, started with a financial deficit of 64%, which in the last two years has been significantly reduced to 25. However, he said he believes that more funding can be granted, thanks to the positive performance of PROASME.

"This is a clear demonstration that the programs will revolutionize the financial needs of the road sector," the minister said, adding that the commitment for the next three years is to continue to mobilize funds domestically and abroad, as well as through a diversity of sector initiatives.

Machatine pointed out the need for a review of procedures to optimize the performance of the Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources (MOPHRH), translated into its internal capacity to implement infrastructure development and reduce financial dependency.

The minister said that 194 billion meticais are guaranteed, until 2024, but do not cover other ongoing projects for the water sector.

Such projects include the construction of the Moamba Major, Mapai, Mugeba and Megaruma dams in the provinces of Maputo, Gaza, Zambézia and Cabo Delgado. Machatine also highlighted the rural road rehabilitation program, funded by the World Bank with an estimated financial package of 300 million dollars and by the European Union in the amount of 130 million dollars that will soon be resumed and will allow the rehabilitation of some crucial roads throughout the country.

Under this financial package, the roads linking Quelimane to Namacurra and Nametil to Angoche, as well as others in Zambezia and Nampula provinces, will be completely rehabilitated.

For Niassa, the governor pointed out the Southern Africa Competitiveness Program, with about 160 million dollars, which will not only ensure the maintenance and rehabilitation of unpaved roads in the province, but also improve some critical roads in the neighboring province of Cabo Delgado.