The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mozambique, Elsbeth Akkerman, announced a €25 million funding package to restore rivers polluted by mining activities in Manica Province, in the central region of the country.
Cited in a publication by the Mozambican News Agency, the diplomat explained that the funds will be allocated to the Central Regional Water Administration (ARA-Centro) under the “Moz Water” program, at a time when government authorities confirmed that pollution has already caused a roughly 30% drop in agricultural production, directly affecting communities that rely on the rivers for consumption and irrigation.
During her visit on Tuesday, December 9, to the Révue River, Elsbeth Akkerman stated that the area can no longer be used for agricultural purposes, calling for coordinated action among the involved entities to ensure that mining activities are conducted responsibly, preventing irreversible environmental damage.
Despite the concerning scenario, Akkerman expressed optimism regarding the future of agriculture and water access, emphasizing the importance of the memorandum of understanding recently signed in Maputo between the Netherlands’ Strategic Environmental Commission and Mozambique’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, which is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the sustainable management of natural resources.
Recently, the government assured that it is aware of companies attempting to continue mining operations in Manica Province, even after “the suspension of all licenses and the creation of an interministerial commission to review the licensing regime, reinforce oversight, and advance environmental recovery measures.” “We are informed about what is happening on the ground, with the commissions, with full force, to ensure that mining can take place within a normal and sustainable legal framework and that its benefits remain national,” explained the spokesperson for the Council of Ministers, Inocêncio Impissa.
When asked about suspicions regarding companies run by Mozambican officials continuing to exploit resources in Manica despite the suspension of operations, the spokesperson assured that all entities found in illegal exploitation will be sanctioned, adding that the government’s priority is “to ensure compliance with regulations to prevent previously observed environmental damage.”
The suspension of mining licenses in Manica occurred after the government reviewed a report from the operational command of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), which worked in the province between July 17 and 19 to assess the environmental situation in the face of mining activities.
The commission found “uncontrolled mining” conducted by licensed operators, with companies operating without environmental recovery plans or waste containment systems, in addition to violations of workers’ rights.
Source: Diário Económico
