Mozambique: Playing, in a Chiúre school yard, helps erase memories of escaping on foot - photos
File photo: TVM
“The water starts to run at about four a.m, but often by six o’clock it stops, and I no longer have water,” Rita Francisco explains.
More than half of Mozambique’s population do not have access to potable drinking water, a situation that experts say affects both the country’s health and its economy.
Urban areas are best served, with 80 percent covered. Rural areas, where most of Mozambique’s population lives, have only 35 percent coverage.
Compounding this situation are drought and irregular rainfall, which leads to water supply restrictions in places like Maputo, Matola and Boane.
A huge problem
Dulce Magi, from Maputo, says that water shortages are a big problem. “”I cannot do what I want. I cannot keep my house clean, I cannot keep my clothes clean like l want to. Water is essential.”
This restrictions will remain for much longer, according to Lembrança Mechisso, of the Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources.
“Levels in our dam at Pequenos Libombos have only risen from 20 to 25 percent since the beginning of the rainy season, so the restrictions will remain in place,” she says.
Negative impact on health and productivity
The United Nations Children’s Fund says the lack of proper sanitation costs Mozambique about 4 billion meticais (about US$ 65 million) a year through premature deaths, medical costs and reduced productivity.
Against this backdrop, the Netherlands plans to donate two million US dollars improving access to drinking water and sanitation in the country.
“We will help,” Michiel Pompe of the Dutch embassy in Maputo promises.
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