HISTORIC BOND . . . Zim, Moza launch strategic fuel pipeline expansion

Source: HISTORIC BOND . . . Zim, Moza launch strategic fuel pipeline expansion – herald

Zvamaida Murwira in NHAMATANDA, Mozambique

THE energy capacity expansion project for the Beira Feruka pipeline will ensure energy self-sufficiency for both Zimbabwe and Mozambique and the wider SADC bloc, while cushioning the region from geo-political conflict-induced fuel supply chain disruptions, President Mnangagwa has said.

Delivering a keynote address during the laying of the first stone for the construction of the Nhamatanda and Messica pumping platforms here yesterday, President Mnangagwa said the upgrade will also help develop economies for both Harare and Maputo through enhanced energy security.

The pipeline expansion project will see increased volumes of fuel from Beira to Feruka, which will result in a rise in energy supply to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and other neighbouring countries like Zambia, Malawi, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

President Mnangagwa, together with his Mozambican counterpart, President Daniel Chapo, led the groundbreaking ceremony to launch the second phase of the Companhia do Pipeline Mocambique-Zimbabwe, a pipeline expansion project that will raise the Beira-Feruka pumping capacity from three million to five million cubic meters of fuel per year.

“This project is of strategic importance as it will increase the capacity and efficiency of the Beira-Feruka fuel pipeline, an economic artery connecting the Port of Beira to Zimbabwe through our regional transport and trade networks,” said President Mnangagwa.

“The raised pumping capacity envisaged from this infrastructure, upon completion, from approximately 3 million to 5 million cubic meters per year, will have far-reaching benefits to the economies of our countries and the region.

“Energy self-sufficiency of our region, along with enhanced efficiency and reliability of this critical fuel supply route, is of great importance, more so in times of supply chain disruptions, occasioned by geo-political tensions and conflicts.”

He thanked President Chapo for inviting him to be part of the historic launch of the expansion project.

“Your gesture is a testament to the excellent and long-standing relations between our two sister Republics, and shared commitment to further strengthen bilateral co-operation,” President Mnangagwa said.

He said the launch of the project was timely.

“Today’s laying of this first stone for the Nhamatanda and Messica pumping platforms is a timely and significant milestone for both Mozambique and Zimbabwe, as well as the SADC region as a whole,” President Mnangagwa said.

“It is, therefore, a privilege that we launch this high-impact infrastructure project together. This reflects our unbreakable bonds and the enduring strength of the solidarity and economic cooperation between our two Republics.

“Today’s event places a new layer on the foundations set by our forebears, which must see accelerated development, modernisation, industrialisation and an improved quality of life for our peoples. Zimbabwe is ready to play its part. Your Excellency”.

He said energy security was integral to economic development.

“My Government has placed energy security at the centre of Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic industrialisation and modernisation transformation”, said the President.

“Secure and efficient fuel supply is essential for the sustained growth, production and productivity of our agriculture, mining, manufacturing, transport, and construction sectors”.

As such, he said, the expanded capacity will contribute to the growth of Zimbabwe’s economy, which continues to generate increased demand for reliable, secure and sustainable energy supplies.

“We welcome the prospects of this initiative, which will go a long way to ease bottlenecks along the fuel supply chain, including strengthening our positions as reliable trading and logistics partners in the region.”

President Mnangagwa described the project as a lifeblood of regional integration.

“It also underscores the pivotal role of the Beira Corridor as a lifeblood for regional commerce. The new infrastructure will, thus, guarantee that this corridor remains a central enabler for the speedy realisation of the SADC integration and industrialisation agenda and indeed, the African continent, as a whole,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said in executing the project, there was a need to observe environmental protection standards.

“We recognise that growth of this magnitude carries an obligation. To this end, I am certain that, as Mozambique expands this vital petroleum infrastructure, contractors will ensure that the highest standards of safety and environmental protection are adhered to at every phase of construction and operation,” he said.

“Communities, ecosystems and water resources along this corridor should be protected, for posterity. Zimbabwe is ready and committed to work with Mozambique to promote, share and shoulder this responsibility for collective socio-economic development.”

President Mnangagwa said the launch of the project also highlighted the long-standing relations between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

“I wish to reiterate that the laying of this first stone marks an important milestone in the enduring co-operation between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

“This relationship is rooted in our shared rich liberation history and heritage, and stands as a testament to what neighbours can achieve by working together,” said President Mnangagwa.

He assured President Chapo that Zimbabwe stands ready to implement and bring to fruition the various aspects of the two countries’ co-operation for the benefit of their economies and peoples.

In his speech, President Chapo said Zimbabwe and Mozambique should take advantage of their geographical location coupled with their long-standing warm bilateral relations to develop their economies.

“We need to transform our infrastructure to improve the lives of our people. When Mozambique’s economy grows, Zimbabwe must benefit; the same applies to Mozambique should Zimbabwe’s economy grow,” he said.

President Chapo said regional integration must pay dividends through the creation of jobs for ordinary people.

“We want it to transform the lives of ordinary people. This project must create jobs for our young people and stimulate development,” he said.

The event was attended by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira; Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo; Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya; Deputy Chief Secretary responsible for Presidential Communications, Mr George Charamba; Mutapa Investment Fund Chief Executive Officer, Dr John Mangudya; and senior Government officials from both countries.

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