In Mozambique, three districts in the southern province of Gaza are facing severe drought due to a lack of rainfall. The situation is the result of the El Niño phenomenon and affects just over 19,000 people.

According to the spokesman for the National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD), Bonifácio Cardoso, the drought situation “is serious in the northern districts of Gaza province”. Quoted in a RFI, The source explained that the INGD, in coordination with the government, is providing drinking water to the communities using tanker trucks.

“We are currently carrying out this intervention in the districts of Chigubo, Mabalane and Mapai, so we had a plan to assist 17,000 people and at the moment we have just over 19,000 people being supplied in 51 communities,” said Bonifácio Cardoso.

In the district of Mabalane, more than 3,000 people are suffering from a lack of water. The local administrator, Sérgio Moiane, is positive about INGD's efforts. “This intervention, which is being carried out now, is helping the communities, especially in areas where we don't have water.”.

The water crisis affecting three districts of Gaza province in southern Mozambique, namely Chigubo, Mabalane and Mapai, is the result of the prolonged drought in these areas.

The government authorities distribute water to the communities in these three districts three times a week and associate the crisis with the El Niño phenomenon.

(Photo DR)