EN1 highway closure delays aid to those affected by floods

The disruption to National Highway Number One (EN1), since February 3rd, continues to severely hinder support for flood victims in the provinces of Maputo and Gaza, forcing assistance to be channeled by sea. This road disruption forces, for example, the population of Xai-Xai, in Gaza, to travel to Inhambane to acquire essential goods.

The process of supporting the victims of the floods that are devastating the provinces of Maputo and Gaza faces a major obstacle; consequently, humanitarian aid has to travel a long distance along the coast, being transported solely by sea, using boats.

On the other hand, the disruption of this crucial road is having a direct impact on the daily lives of the population. In fact, residents of Xai-Xai, in Gaza province, are now forced to travel to Inhambane province to buy basic necessities and fuel.

It should be noted that Inhambane also experienced some pressure on its stocks of these products last week. However, local authorities managed to control the situation relatively quickly by bringing in diesel and other goods from the city of Beira, in Sofala province.

In short, the reconstruction of the EN1 is a priority not only to normalize the lives of the population, but also to expedite assistance to those who need it most following the severe weather.