Potential loss of license for biofuels producer

Biofuels producer Aviam is running the risk of losing its license to plant jatropha shrubs over 10,000 hectares in the north of Nampula, Mozambique.

Aviam, a joint venture formed by Mozambican and Italian interests, was due to invest $20 million (€16.4 million) in the jatropha plantation. But, according to district notices, the company is not adhering to agreed time schedules.

District administrator Daniel Chapo was quoted as saying: ‘When a project is submitted to the government’s Investment Promotion Centre and to the Office of Special Development Economic Zones, it must be accompanied by a plan which should be complied with scrupulously. This isn’t happening with Aviam. There are a series of things that are not happening within the established deadlines.’

To date only 150 hectares of jatropha have been planted and there is no sign of the proposed factory to manufacture the biodiesel.

‘What we have to do now is to inform the government that the situation on the ground is not meeting our expectations,’ adds Chapo.