Nampula: Residents of Mucaipa, dirty water in their daily lives

Poço tradicional em Mucaipa

The consumption of unsafe water remains a major concern for the residents of Mucaipa. This neighborhood, located on the outskirts of Nacala-Porto, has a population that relies on water from makeshift wells on the edges of Praia de Sousa, near the cement factory.

Residents of this neighborhood have been pleading with the authorities to address a long-standing issue, but it seems that no one is listening.

Interviewees told "Mozanorte" that obtaining water for personal use has been a torment, as they wake up early in search of this precious liquid from improvised wells. Yet, the water remains unsafe, as reported by Amina Sultuani and Rosa Ussene, both residents of Mucaipa.

"The water situation for us in this neighborhood has not been easy. We've been using water from this well for a long time because, previously, animals from the Machampi area would come and drink from the same well. To reduce the problem, we decided to seal it off so we wouldn't drink from the same water as the animals. But this water is still unsafe because it's close to the beach," said Amina Sultuani.

 For Rosa Ussene, the situation is particularly frustrating because it has been over 20 years "I've lived in Mucaipa for more than 20 years, and this lack of water has always been a nightmare. The government has never solved this problem; we are forgotten when it comes to getting potable water. When the Chinese came here and installed their pipes, we at least thought we'd have water, but it never came out of the taps. That's why we always have to come here to at least quench our thirst and more," she explained.

When contacted, the leader of Mucaipa's neighborhood addressed the water situation, stating that the authorities are aware of the issue but seem uninterested in resolving it. 

"As the community leader of this neighborhood, I confirm the issue of drinking water that has been keeping the residents awake at night. Talking about unsafe water consumption in this neighborhood is not new. We have tried to communicate with the relevant authorities, but they have never solved the problem. As a leader, I feel afraid because this situation has been ongoing for many years," said Ossufo Niclala, the leader of Mucaipa.

Our data shows that the problem of unsafe water consumption in Mucaipa has persisted for over 15 years without a solution.

Furthermore, the neighborhood has not been spared from waterborne diseases and is one of the areas that reports the most cholera cases, which cyclically affect the district of Nacala-Porto. (Gabriel Cassimo)