The President of the Maputo City Council, Rasaque Manhique, said on November 10 in Maputo that the violent demonstrations that have shaken the city in recent days will compromise urban mobility, particularly public transport, and the efficiency of solid waste collection due to the damage caused to public infrastructure.
‘Preliminary data indicates that six vehicles and two tractors belonging to private individuals in the Ka Maxaquene district, Ka Mavota, Ka Lhamanculo, Ka Mpfumu, Ka Mubucuana are the most affected, while in the Ka Maxaquene municipal district the demonstrations were more violent,’ said Manhique.
The Mayor of Maputo was speaking this Sunday (10), in Maputo, as part of the celebrations marking the 137th anniversary of Maputo’s elevation to city status.
‘There has been vandalisation of 15 traffic lights at intersections and destruction of passenger shelters at bus stops,’ he said.
The acts of vandalism also affected four buses belonging to the Maputo Municipal Transport Company (EMTM), the destruction of 52 solid waste collection containers and the obstruction of several arteries in the city by burning tyres.
‘The destruction of essential infrastructure affects the day-to-day lives of our citizens, jeopardising the development of the city, representing a setback in the efforts that we have implemented with so much commitment and effort.
The mayor recognises that the demonstrations arise from the anxieties and challenges that many young people face on a daily basis.
‘However, we call on everyone to express their concerns in a peaceful, constructive way. The destruction of property and violence is not and is not a solution; on the contrary, it jeopardises security, social peace and hinders the progress we strive for,’ he said.
The municipality reaffirms its commitment to rebuilding damaged property and restoring essential infrastructure for the full functioning of the city.
‘This work will require resources and time, but we are determined to return the city to the dignity and functionality that it deserves, and for this we are counting on everyone’s involvement, this reconstruction will be done by all of us, the citizens who live in Maputo city.’
(AIM)
