Gomes is an economist who was previously a member of the board of the Bank of Mozambique. He replaces Rosario Mualeia, who had held the top job at CFM since 2010.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vaquina recognised the work undertaken by CFM in guaranteeing the circulation of passengers and freight, thus contributing to the development of the economies of Mozambique and of the other countries of SADC (Southern African Development Community).
He cited in particular CFM’s acquisition of ten brand new diesel-electric locomotives, manufactured by the American company General Electric, the first four of which were inaugurated in Maputo on Wednesday. They will almost double the number of locomotives available in the southern rail network, covering the lines from Maputo to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Swaziland.
“It is our expectation that the Chairperson of the CFM Board now taking office will encourage still further achievement of the actions advocated in the government’s programme”, said Vaquina.
He cited in particular strengthening CFM’s capacity to carry passengers in the urban and peri-urban zones of Maputo, Matola and Beira, and an increase in the cargo carrying capacity of the Sena line (used to carry coal exports from the Moatize coal basin to the port of Beira), and of the lines from Beira to Zimbabwe and from Maputo to South Africa.
Vaquina also urged CFM to seek out financial partners to make viable the planned new ports at Macuze and Techobanine. Macuze is on the coast of Zambezia province, and a new railway is planned from Moatize to Macuze, which will help reduce the pressure on the Sena line and on Beira port.
Techobanine is in Matutuine district in the far south of the country. It will be a deep water mineral port. Construction of the port is planned in tandem with a railway line to Botswana which will use it to export coal.
Mualeia told the independent television station STV on Wednesday that he is leaving CFM in good health, with projects under way which his successor should see through to a successful conclusion.
Post published in: Africa News