The city of Xai-Xai, in Gaza province, is facing a shortage of basic necessities, the result of a week-long paralysis caused by demonstrations called by Venâncio Mondlane, in protest at the results of the recent elections, as reported in the newspaper O País.
According to the local authorities, the situation is putting pressure on the commerce and industry sectors, which are warning of the risk of stock-outs of essential goods.
Lúcia Matimele, the provincial director of Industry and Commerce in Gaza, said that the current stock of basic products in the town of Xai-Xai could run out in less than a week if supplies are not regularised.
Matimele emphasised the urgent need to return to normality in order to guarantee that products reach the markets and meet the population’s demand. ‘At the moment, our biggest concern is to ensure the supply of essential products, because the reserves we have only cover the needs of a few days,’ he said.
The shutdown has also deeply affected the transport sector, especially on the Xai-Xai-Maputo routes, where hauliers are reporting a sharp drop in revenue.
Many vehicles remained stationary due to the lack of passengers, aggravated by fears of insecurity on the roads, which led some operators to interrupt journeys. For hauliers, the lack of revenue has already lasted three weeks, leaving many in a difficult financial situation.
In the hospitality sector, losses are mounting. Some hotels and restaurants have reported layoffs due to the decrease in customers during the week of demonstrations. One worker expressed frustration at not having received her October salary, further aggravating the situation for workers in the sector.
In addition, small traders in the town of Xai-Xai are worried about the prolonged impact of the strike. One local vendor reported his uncertainty about the future, mentioning that if the situation doesn’t normalise quickly, he could face difficulties supporting his family.
On Saturday, the city of Xai-Xai began to return to normality, with shops reopening and workers returning to their posts.
However, full recovery depends on stabilising the supply of essential goods and the safe operation of transport, local sources said. In order to avoid a stock-out, the authorities are closely monitoring the supply of essential products, trying to ensure that there are no prolonged interruptions.
While the situation remains tense, the Gaza Provincial Directorate of Industry and Commerce emphasises that the population’s collaboration will be crucial to avoid shortages and ensure that the affected sectors can gradually recover.
