Cabo Delgado: Moz Environment company blamed for the death of two children in Pemba

 

The Moz Environment company, located in Metula, on the outskirts of the city of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique, and specialized in waste collection and treatment for large companies, including multinational corporations, is being accused of being responsible for the recent deaths of two children.

The residents of the Metula neighborhood are complaining that environmental pollution, in addition to causing deaths, is allegedly causing respiratory diseases.

The secretary of the Metula neighborhood says that the community is tired and is even requesting the relocation of the company to another area to avoid compromising public health.

"The community here in the Metula neighborhood is tired, not just the residents, I am tired as well. The population has been complaining in front of me, and I took the information to the office of the municipal council president to present this situation happening here in the neighborhood. We are asking for help to move this company to another place, so that it no longer operates here in my neighborhood, because the smoke it emits is causing damage, trees are constantly burning, and our health is being affected. We've lost four children here, due to diseases caused by the company. Today is the third time we’ve met with this company to discuss the issue, and we reached a consensus," said the neighborhood secretary.

To better understand the issue, the president of the Pemba municipality, Satar Abdulgani, visited the neighborhood, specifically the company. The leader heard firsthand from the residents of Metula.

In his response, he stated that the company should either rectify the situation or relocate, as the municipality would assist in finding a new space. Without this, the company risks not receiving a new license, as the current one expire in April.

"Since the establishment of this company in the Metula neighborhood, there have been reports from the population that many children have suffered from fevers, and some diseases have even led to death. Just being in this environment causes respiratory problems. The smell here is so strong that no one can live under these conditions. The population has reported this several times, from 2022 until today, and a solution was supposed to be found. As a municipal council, unfortunately, the company holds a license from the municipal council until April, and I can clearly state that this license will not be renewed unless they make corrections. We are willing to help the company find a new area so that we can address the community’s concerns because we have families here, and every health issue directly affects the population", noted Satar Abdulgani.

The management of Moz Environment has not provided any statements to the press, suggesting they may not be in the right, according to residents of the Metula neighborhood. (Sifa Artur)