Business people in Cabo Delgado are optimistic about the gradual return of security and the reopening of access roads to areas affected by terrorism, but expect help from the government to rebuild destroyed infrastructure.

The president of the Business Council of Cabo Delgado, quoted by DW, believes that the retaking of Mocímboa da Praia and other areas previously under terrorist control, and the reopening of access roads that were impassable due to insecurity, are positive signs for the re-launch of economic activity in the districts affected by the phenomenon.

According to Mamudo Irache, some businessmen are already expressing the will to return to their origins in order to rebuild what was left after the vandalization of the armed group that operates in the north of the country.

"It's a big win for the business sector. We are seeing that, since the announcement of the Auasse-Macomia transit, there is a lot of approach from businessmen from the affected area, such as Mocímboa da Praia, Palma and Macomia, to consult what is the possibility of returning to their work areas. But, as the Government has already said, we have to wait a bit to hear what the position is", he ponders.

Difficulties in returning

In the meantime, Mamudo Irache foresees difficulties for entrepreneurs to relaunch their business, since the enterprises and property they owned were hit in the terrorist incursions.

According to Irache, the business community, upon returning to their areas, will be weakened economically and will find their infrastructure destroyed. "How are we the businessmen going to deal with this situation?" he questions.

However, the government still does not know how much it will cost to rebuild the districts affected by terrorism. In an interview given recently to Radio Mozambique, the governor of Cabo Delgado province, Valige Tauabo, said that work is currently underway to survey and analyze whether the districts should construct new buildings or reuse those affected by the terrorists.

"It will depend on the technical team what will guide us: if it is for the construction of new public buildings or if it is for rehabilitation, or to set up temporary facilities to host the services," explained the governor of Cabo Delgado.

Participation of entrepreneurs

The businessmen ask that, if it is decided for the reconstruction process of the devastated districts, the Government should prioritize the participation of local companies.

The representative of the Business Council of Cabo Delgado suggests support from the Government for the business class to leverage the projects paralyzed because of insecurity. "Our dream is that in the reconstruction it will be the local business community directly involved and getting financial support," he says.

With the roads open, albeit with some constraints, the transport operators are talking about improvements in their business with the increase of passengers returning to their areas of origin, abandoned due to the conflict.

Mário Joaquim, operator of the Pemba-Macomia route, celebrates: "These days we are thankful because when we leave here [the Pemba bus terminal] it's not like a long time ago that we were feeling afraid. Those military give us a little morale and we are seeing that we are safe [on the road]."