Maputo inspects scrap yards in bid to crack down on manhole cover theft – photos

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Maputo inspects scrap yards in bid to crack down on manhole cover theft – photos

5:21 CAT | 03 Oct 2025

All photos. Conselho Municipal de Maputo

Following the growing number of thefts of manhole and drainage covers in Maputo City, a multi-sector team comprised of officers from the Municipal Police (PM) and the Municipal Sanitation and Drainage Company (EMSD) has launched an inspection operation at scrap yards and metal sales outlets.

The main objective of the operation is to verify the presence of stolen covers at these locations, allowing immediate action to be taken against potential receivers. At the same time, the teams are raising awareness among scrap metal owners to refrain from purchasing this type of material and encouraging them to report suspicious sellers.

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The systematic theft of these covers has had serious consequences for mobility and road safety, as it leaves drainage boxes exposed, putting motorists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians at risk.

Municipal authorities ensure that inspections will be continuous and comprehensive, with the dual purpose of dismantling the illicit trade chain and raising public awareness about the negative impact of this practice on urban infrastructure and public safety.

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READ: Mozambique: Maputo starts replacing 193 stolen drainage covers, beginning with 30t

Concurrently, the Maputo Municipal Council trained more than 100 public restroom managers in municipal markets and along public roads.

On the occasion, Councilor for Economic Activities and Tourism, Alexandre Muianga, explained that the objective of the meeting was to reflect on and review effective restroom management in markets and public roads, revealing that there are good examples of effective management.

During the training seminar, topics such as restroom management mechanisms; cleanliness and hygiene in public restrooms; and public restroom inspection plan templates, among others, were discussed.

Source: O País