Pemba faces a fuel shortage following the collapse of the Mecuburi bridge caused by Tropical Cyclone Jude. The destruction has disrupted transport routes, leading to long queues at gas stations and soaring prices. Residents, including taxi drivers, express frustration over these challenges, with some paying significantly more for fuel than in neighboring countries. The local economy is simultaneously impacted, creating widespread uncertainty.
The city of Pemba is currently experiencing a critical fuel shortage due to the collapse of the Mecuburi bridge in Nampula province. Heavy rains brought about by Tropical Cyclone Jude led to the bridge’s destruction, severing the primary transport route linking Pemba to Nampula. As a result, alternative routes have become necessary, complicating the delivery of essential supplies, particularly fuel.
Gas stations in Cabo Delgado’s provincial capital are now overwhelmed with long lines and frustrated customers. In a recent interview with Zumbo FM, drivers voiced their struggles to secure fuel and expressed concern over soaring prices. Gabriel Buchir, a local resident, stated his anger about the three-day fuel deficit, attributing it to the Nampula road’s bridge issue.
Buchir lamented, “We have been without fuel at the pumps for three days now. They say the problem is the bridge on the Nampula road.” He further criticized the elevated fuel prices, noting, “It would be good if they lowered it to at least 70 meticais, because before it was 75.” The informal market has seen rampant price speculation, forcing residents to pay exorbitant amounts for fuel sold in small containers.
Taxi driver Francisco André expressed his frustration regarding the disparity in fuel prices between Mozambique and neighboring Malawi, saying, “Fuel is very expensive! We are paying 95 meticais per litre, while in Malawi it costs 53 meticais.” He asserted that these soaring costs are detrimental to the populace of Cabo Delgado and Mozambique as a whole.
Another local driver, Ernesto Tomás, remarked on the dire consequences of the bridge collapse for fuel transportation to Pemba. He described the struggles with tanker trucks’ accessibility, saying, “The destruction of the bridge that connects Namialo to Napama has further aggravated the fuel shortage in Pemba.” Tomás detailed the unsustainable travel costs, emphasizing the adverse impacts on both his business and daily life.
This fuel crisis extends beyond individual drivers, affecting public transportation, commerce, and overall mobility in the area. As Pemba residents await resolutions to the ongoing fuel shortage, uncertainty looms over the community’s immediate future and economic stability.
In conclusion, Pemba is grappling with a severe fuel shortage due to the recent collapse of crucial infrastructure. This situation has led to significant increases in fuel prices, adversely affecting local drivers and the broader economy. Residents express legitimate concerns regarding access to fuel and the sustainability of current prices, highlighting an urgent need for remedial action to restore normalcy.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
