The Limpopo Railway
This pathetic display of goods in a large Mozambique city is a direct consequence of the mine-crippled transportation infrastructure.
When the coastal towns are again connected by rail to the rest of the country, and when the railways are again connected to the continental network, the future will really start to look bright...
The social and economical impact
The value of a successful mine clearance operation that leads to the reopening of the Limpopo railway cannot be over-emphasised. All the powers and parties involved have shown great interest, recognising that the clearance of the line would be invaluable to the revival of Mozambique’s poorer regions.
A functional railroad would not only allow agricultural and industrial expansion, it would also connect people who have lived in isolation for too long and who previously regarded each other as enemies in a gruelling war.
The Mozambique government is currently concerned to speed up the rejuvenation of its middle and Northern provinces. When the railway is open, it can be used as a supply line to rebuild the roads and the connections to neighbouring regions so leading to profound improvements to the quality of life and the stability of the region.
So, the real value of this demanding MgM mine clearing project cannot be measured simply in terms of square metres of land cleared. Access will also allow other aid organisations to follow through with their development activities – leading to agricultural, health and educational aid programs that will ease the way forward for a war torn people.
But only after MgM, with the support of its patrons and supporters, has first removed the danger from the mines...