Mini-bus drivers in Mozambique protested by blocking roads in Maputo and other regions due to poor road conditions and high living costs. The protests aimed to bring attention to the need for infrastructure improvements and economic relief, reflecting significant frustration among citizens regarding government responsiveness to their demands.
On Monday, mini-bus drivers in Maputo, Mozambique, staged protests by blocking Julius Nyerere Avenue, a critical route to the presidential offices, using stones and other barriers. They demanded road improvements and a reduction in living costs due to the deteriorating conditions of the roads laden with potholes and cracks that significantly impair traffic and pose safety hazards.
Drivers expressed frustration over vehicle damages caused by poor road conditions, stating that constant repairs add financial strain. One driver emphasized their fatigue, saying, “I’m tired of damaging my own car because of these potholed roads. The government and the municipal council do nothing to improve our lives. We work hard but the roads are horrible.
In the southern province of Gaza, protests continued in Macia town where demonstrators blocked the EN1, the main highway, to voice concerns over the high cost of living. They are advocating for the implementation of cost-reduction measures previously suggested by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, particularly in cement pricing.
Additional roadblocks were observed connecting Ponta do Ouro to border points with KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Similarly, the EN2 National Road in the Mandevo region of Namaacha district was obstructed, as protesters sought enhancements in living standards and infrastructure support.
The protests led by mini-bus drivers in Mozambique are a clear response to poor road conditions and the escalating cost of living. Their actions, including road blockages in critical areas, highlight urgent demands for governmental intervention in repairing infrastructure and addressing economic challenges. These events reflect broader societal tensions regarding transportation and living standards in the region.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
