Africa-Press – Mozambique. Residents of five districts in the Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado have been isolated since Saturday night following the destruction of the Napacala river crossing on National Highway 380 (EN380) in Macomia.
The situation affects Muidumbe, Nangade, Mueda, Mocímboa da Praia and Palma districts, recent excessive rainfall having cut the Awasse-Macomia administrative post stretch of EN380.
“When I found out about this I was scared and sad, because I had to cancel my trip to Nampula to go buy goods,” one trader told Lusa from Mocímboa da Praia, the district headquarters.
The collapse of the bridge over the Napacala River, in the town of Macomia, not only jeopardises the movement of civilians, but also that of the Defence and Security Forces fighting terrorists in the region and positioned less than a kilometre away, much to the concern of residents.
“We have no way out. Our biggest fear now is: how can the military, up there in the Ceta, help us in the event of a terrorist invasion?” one 69-year-old woman asked.
The National Roads Administration (ANE) has confirmed the closure of the crossing, saying work is underway to re-establish vehicle circulation by January 23rd.
Road connection with the northern districts can in the meantime be made using the Sunate-Metoro-Momtepuez-Nairoto-Mueda route, the ANE adds.
The 200-kilometre Sunate-Macomia section of the EN380 was one of the busiest in Cabo Delgado before terrorist activity started in the province.
For More News And Analysis About Mozambique Follow Africa-Press
