The private sector is angry with the state for not honoring its financial commitments, which is leading to a deterioration in the business environment in Manica.

According to the business community in the province, the state is the biggest debtor. The amount was not disclosed.

"The state is the private sector's biggest client. Without the payment of debts, the private sector loses its ability to respond," said Alcides Cintura, President of the Manica Provincial Business Council.

Manica's business community says it is struggling to meet public tenders and find new customers.

"We don't just work with the state, we also do business with private individuals," he said.

In defense of the state, the Secretary and Governor of the province, Fernando de Sousa and Francisca Tomás, respectively, blamed private individuals for not meeting the requirements to receive the balance of the debt.

"We believe that these debts will be settled by the government, as long as the entrepreneurs follow the legally established procedures for paying these debts. In some cases some debts are not registered, they don't have the legal procedures for their payment", said the Governor, quoted by STV.

He was speaking at the Sixth Consultation Forum on the Business Environment, which precedes the Annual Private Sector Conference, to be held in the country's capital from the 15th to the 17th of this month.