The first cable strand of the Maputo Bridge in Mozambique was successfully installed on May 1, pushing forward the construction of Africa’s longest suspension bridge. Once completed, the 3-kilometer-long bridge will be able to carry a high volume of traffic, as well as boost local trade and tourism.

“The bridge has two main cables, each containing 91 cable strands. The successful erection of the first strand lays a good foundation for the installation of the main cables, a major component of the bridge that is expected to be finished within two months,” an engineer told the Xinhua News Agency.

The bridge, which will link the capital city of Maputo with the Catembe district, is a joint project launched by the Mozambique and Chinese governments. With a width of 680 meters, it will have the capacity to transport traffic in both directions. The construction of the bridge began in 2014, and is expected to be finished by the end of 2017.

“Currently, there is a ferry system linking Maputo and Catembe. Due to a lack of security as well as weather-related factors, serious accidents happen every year - sometimes even resulting in casualties. The only alternative is to drive, but that takes at least four hours. I hope the bridge can be finished soon,” Joao, a local resident, told Xinhua.