China-Africa Cooperation: Relocated Mozambicans benefit from national bridge project

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The African nation of Mozambique will soon see major changes to its domestic infrastructure. The Chinese-built Maputo Bridge and Link Roads will become the country's key international passageways, linking its capital city to South Africa. Experts say the bridge will boost Mozambique's trade and tourism. CGTN's Meng Qingsheng reports.

It's a sometimes forgotten group of people in southern Mozambique. Students here have been learning this way for the past two years, as a result of inadequate funding from the government. They were relocated from the capital Maputo to make space for the construction of a bridge project.

ZACARIAS LOVA HEADMASTER, UAMBALAMBATE PRIMARY SCHOOL "No children can learn like this. They cannot focus on teaching. When the weather is bad, they cannot study. And there's no way for them to have class when it rains."

But these days are numbered. Nearby, new classrooms are taking shape. They've been donated by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the company behind the Maputo Oversea Bridge.

We followed Silva to the community where all the relocated people live. The conditions are much better than where they used to stay, among rows of shanty houses in suburban Maputo. Her mother told us she is happy with Silva's school performance, and the family enjoys their life in the new home.

FILOMENA DOMINGOS CHICAVELE VILLAGER "In Maputo, the living space was very limited. But here the house is much better. I have a big house, with a kitchen and a living room to chat with my family."

30 kilometers away, workers are putting the final touches on the longest suspension bridge in Africa. Along with the link roads, the bridge directly connects Maputo to the border of South Africa. It's expected to greatly boost cross-border trade and tourism.

BAI PENGYU, GENERAL MANAGER MOZAMBIQUE OFFICE, CHINA ROAD & BRIDGE CORPORATION "Normally relocating people is the government's duty. But for this project, we are here. The new place promotes the living standard. We have also contributed the schools, police station and some infrastructure like water and electricity. I think they are happy."

MENG QINGSHENG MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE "More than 500 families were relocated here during the construction of the Maputo Oversea Bridge. For most of them, it was a positive change, as they now have more spacious houses. Chinese companies also helped improve basic facilities. But some residents feel the real change is yet to come, as they have high hopes for a better life."

Silva's mother hopes the government will build a hospital nearby to treat illnesses, and set up a public transportation system so they can catch early trains to the city.

But in the short term, she hopes her daughter will soon move into the new classroom, complete her education, and bring new changes to the family.

Meng Qingsheng, CGTN, Maputo, Mozambique.