The
town of Mocimboa da Praia, located in northern Mozambique, is facing serious
difficulties due to the absence of banking services. Since residents returned
to the town after the period of instability caused by the insurgency, all local
bank services remain inactive, forcing the population to travel long distances
to carry out essential financial transactions in other districts.
Without a bank available in
Mocimboa da Praia, residents must travel 97 kilometers to the District of
Mueda, where the nearest banking service is located. This journey is not only
exhausting but also presents an additional challenge for those seeking to
resolve financial matters.
"We arrive in Mueda
and find long lines at the bank. Some people even sleep there to ensure they
are attended to due to the high volume of customers," reported a local
resident. Public servants and businesspeople are among the most affected
by the lack of a bank in Mocimboa da Praia.
The
absence of financial services prevents them from receiving their salaries or
conducting necessary transactions to maintain their businesses. This situation
undermines the local economy, already weakened by the region's
instability. Insecurity on the roads is another aggravating factor. Due
to the threat of terrorist attacks, many residents fear transporting money or
traveling to Mueda.
"Some
people prefer to give up traveling, while others return home empty-handed after
facing dangers and difficulties on the road," highlighted another resident.
The current situation calls for urgent intervention from authorities and
financial institutions. The reopening of a bank branch in Mocimboa da Praia is
essential to restore dignity and security to the local population, as well as
to stimulate the town's economic recovery.
At
present, trade, fishing, and some agriculture continue to drive the local
economy. There are many local and foreign traders who handle money and who,
without a bank, are at risk of robbery and much more. Earlier this year,
a group of people robbed and injured a Bengali businessperson in the Nanduadua
neighborhood in broad daylight. This situation once again raises security
concerns, as it is assumed that the perpetrators intended to steal money from
the victim.
The
town also has mobile wallet services, but agents also face security risks
because they cannot keep the money in this manner. The population has always
requested the restoration of banking services, but despite this, their pleas
have not been heard by those in authority. Until this happens, the suffering
and the constant back-and-forth between Mocimboa da Praia and the town of
Mueda, or even Pemba, will continue, with public servants, businessmen, and
travelers being the most affected. (Armando António aka Kapemba)
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