Vuyisile Hlatshwayo
After four years of lying idle, the Maputo Sugar Terminal is now in full swing following overhaul and modernisation by the Swaziland Sugar Association and the Zimbabwe Sugar Association.
Since June 10 1995, the two associations have exported 283 000 tonnes to the European Union (EU). Mozambique and Zambia also send small consignments through the terminal.
In 1992, Swaziland and Zimbabwe clinched an eight- year lease to operate the terminal as a joint venture. Storage capacity is 140 000 tonnes, divided among three sheds. This year the two countries are expected to export 400 000 tonnes, rising to 500 000 tonnes next year.
Exports through Maputo were stopped in 1991 because of the extremely high prevalence of theft at the port, with Swaziland alone losing about 16 000 tonnes in that year. The two countries were forced to switch to Durban, 600km further away and about 20% more expensive.
Security measures have been stepped up, with liner trains travelling non-stop to Siweni in Mozambique where they are put under 24-hour guard. At Maputo, Manica Freight provides round-the-clock security guards and the fence around the terminal is electrified.
Swaziland will export 195 000 tonnes this year, mostly to the EU and the United States. Zimbabwe will export roughly the same. — AIA