Mozambican authorities are assessing the damage to the country’s main border post following post-election protests over the past two weeks, Transport Minister Mateus Magala said Sunday.
Speaking after visiting the Ressano Garcia border post in Maputo province, Magala said the vandalised infrastructure could run into several millions.
“We are talking about millions and millions of dollars. This is a setback to the efforts we had already achieved and these acts of vandalism have tarnished our reputation,” Magala said.
He said the government would act expeditiously to ensure that operations at the entry point are back to normal as quickly as possible.
The damage was caused by opposition supporters who have been protesting against alleged vote rigging in last month’s general elections that retained the ruling Frelimo party in power.
Meanwhile, Tax Authority of Mozambique spokesperson Fernando Tinga estimated at the weekend that the three-day closure of the vital Ressano Garcia border post resulted in a staggering loss exceeding 400 million meticais in revenue.
The port opened for cargo movement at the weekend following a lull in protests.
JN/APA