The complexity of environmental risks of the construction of the Maputo circular road

Abstract

This paper discusses the problem of the complexity of environmental risks, focusing on the anthropic risks arising from the construction of the Maputo-Mozambique ring road combined with natural hazards. At first, it appears to have had a positive and negative impact on the environment, seen from the exposure, vulnerability and severity of the damage caused and the susceptibility of its occurrence in the future. From the consideration of these impacts, it stands out that the ring road has boosted another dynamic, creating jobs, fluidity, reinforcing the ability to capture revenue through the collection of toll fees subject to the collection of value added tax, but also have negative environmental impacts, whose mitigation is difficult to demand due to the lack of an environmental impact study. It thus poses a complexity of risks for the surrounding populations and the environment itself consisting of natural and anthropic risks aggravated by the continuous authorization of the right to use and exploit the land, construction permits and disorderly constructions. Thus, the article opens space for the next impact projects to comply with legal imperatives, such as the need to conduct an environmental impact study, prior to the implementation of activities or infrastructures that impact the environment, contributing to environmental governance. The study is methodologically based on a bibliographic, documentary, legal, review, case study, descriptive and explanatory method.