Pemba, Mozambique Faces Fuel Shortage Amid Bridge Collapse Crisis
Pemba, Mozambique, faces a severe fuel shortage following the collapse of the Mecuburi bridge due to Tropical Cyclone Jude. This disruption has caused long queues at gas stations and inflated prices for fuel in the informal market, significantly impacting both individual drivers and the local economy. Residents are left in uncertainty as they await a solution to the crisis.
The city of Pemba in Mozambique is currently grappling with a significant fuel shortage due to the collapse of the Mecuburi bridge in the nearby Nampula province. This structural failure occurred after heavy rains associated with Tropical Cyclone Jude, disrupting the primary route connecting Pemba to Nampula. Consequently, this has hindered the transportation of essential goods, including fuel.
Long queues and mounting frustration have become commonplace at gas stations throughout Cabo Delgado’s provincial capital as residents struggle to obtain fuel. Drivers have reported significant challenges in purchasing fuel and voiced their discontent regarding soaring prices. Gabriel Buchir, a concerned citizen, expressed that Pemba has been experiencing a fuel shortage for over three days, attributing it to the issues with the bridge. He noted, “We have been without fuel at the pumps for three days now.”
Inflation in the informal market has exacerbated the situation, particularly affecting taxi drivers who rely on daily fuel supplies. Taxi driver Francisco André lamented the high costs of fuel in Mozambique, which currently stand at 95 meticais per litre, while in neighboring Malawi, the price is just 53 meticais. He emphasized the hardship this causes for the people of Mozambique, stating, “How is it possible that a country with fuel production basins has such high prices?”
Ernesto Tomás, another driver, discussed the logistical challenges stemming from the bridge collapse. He noted that tanker trucks cannot access Pemba, necessitating reliance on sea transport as an alternative. Tomás indicated that travel costs have become unsustainable and directly impact local economic activity. He remarked on the difficulty of navigating between Pemba and other locations due to the increased costs, stating that these circumstances are unsustainable.
The fuel crisis is not limited to individual drivers; it is profoundly affecting the broader local economy, disrupting public transportation, commerce, and residents’ mobility. As the situation unfolds, the populace of Pemba awaits relief from the ongoing crisis with a sense of resignation and uncertainty.
In summary, the city of Pemba is enduring a severe fuel shortage due to the collapse of the Mecuburi bridge, which has interrupted essential supply routes. The repercussions of this crisis are widespread, affecting local transportation, commerce, and everyday life for residents. The high prices in the informal market and the difficulties in sourcing fuel through alternative methods have compounded the struggles of the population, leaving many to hope for a swift resolution to this pressing issue.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
