The proposed $2.14 billion Swaziland/Mozambique port earmarked to be constructed at Mlawula in north-eastern Swaziland, is in its initial stages of construction, local media report here Wednesday.
The project aimed at creating jobs for 10, 000 people has started despite the fact that Swaziland has not yet received approval from the Mozambican government for the construction of a 26 kilometre canal that will connect the Mozambican sea to Mlawula (at 15 to 20 hectares of land).
Businessman Moses Motsa, who partnered with Mark Andrade as project principals, says an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to determine how the project that will be completed in the next few years would be implemented, is being collated.
Motsa said, “We chose to finalise everything in Swaziland before we proceed to Mozambique to seek approval. We are currently engaged in negotiations with four international financiers, with a view to clinching a deal with one or two of them who would propose a flexible contract.”
The project that was approved by the cabinet has been prompted by traffic congestion of nearby ports in neighbouring countries and the dire need to improve the export trade in Swaziland.
Source: StarAfrica
