Mozambique: ‘Águas negras’ betray poor sewage management in Maputo city

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Mozambique: ‘Águas negras’ betray poor sewage management in Maputo city

1:03 CAT | 22 Jul 2024

Image: Notícias

The sewage network in some Maputo city neighbourhoods is obsolete and releasing “black waters”, affecting mobility and endangering the health of residents.

Residents of these areas are forced to live with the nauseating smell of wastewater, in addition to insects and other disease vectors related to poor sanitation management.

In neighbourhoods such as Malhangalene, Jardim, Alto Maé, Bairro Central, Chamanculo, Mafalala and Baixa, where the situation is most critical, the wastewater management systems date back to colonial times, possibly the reason why they are in such poor condition.

However, the concentration of solid waste and the theft of gutter covers, combined with the lack of periodic maintenance by the competent authorities, indubitably compounds the problem.

In these places, there are potholed streets, resulting in standing wastewater, and debris that transform children’s games and outdoor activities into a real ordeal.

This situation also causes road accidents, with motorists forced into dangerous manoeuvers to avoid potholes.

There is also the risk of elderly people, people with disabilities and children falling into the holes while trying to navigate them.

Residents told ‘Notícias’ that the problem is of long standing and well known to the authorities, who have been called upon repeatedly to solve it.

Unfortunately, no definitive measures have yet been taken, forcing the population into impromptu measures to mitigate the risk.

Source: Notícias