Vandalism in Mozambique: Fuel Stations Remain Closed Amid Political Turmoil

In Mozambique, the recent protests have led to the vandalism of gas stations, affecting approximately 400 workers and leaving ten stations inoperative. The Association of Fuel Retailers emphasizes that reconstruction hinges on political stability, while skepticism surrounds government financial aid for affected retailers.

In Mozambique, approximately 400 workers from gas stations have faced contract suspensions due to vandalism, with ten stations still inoperative as a result of the damage inflicted during post-election protests. The Mozambique Fuel Retailers Association indicates that the reconstruction of these facilities is contingent upon improvements in the country’s political climate.

The aftermath of the unrest is stark, with broken glass and destroyed equipment evident at various gas stations, including looted convenience stores. Nelson Mavimbe, the president of the Association of Fuel Retailers of Mozambique (ARCOMOC), noted, “The photographs show gas stations that were completely vandalized and some that were partially vandalized. In the current situation, those that were completely vandalized have no way of returning to operations.”

During the recent protests, at least thirty gas stations were either partially or completely damaged, with ten remaining non-operational. Mavimbe highlighted the complexity of recovery efforts, stating, “The recovery process is very complex and, at this moment, it is difficult to guarantee the restoration of the damage that was created at the posts, because we have been witnessing the repercussions of the demonstrations, which are happening every day that passes.”

With gas stations closed, hundreds of employees are affected, given that typically a gas station employs about forty workers. Mavimbe explained, “On average, a gas station has about 40 workers, so if we assume that about 10 stations were completely vandalized, we are saying that at least 400 employees had their contracts suspended.”

Currently, there are no forecasts for when operations might resume or reconstruction of the destroyed stations will begin. Mavimbe warned, “There is a risk here that the damage will be repaired and, the next day, the protesters will return to the same posts and start vandalizing again. Stability needs to be re-established to allow for the damage to be repaired.”

The Fuel Retailers Association expresses skepticism regarding the Government’s recently announced 10 billion meticais credit line, stating, “We do not think these lines of financing are sustainable for those who have lost everything. In fact, it is not even starting from scratch, because the investment that is currently being made was the target of a request for bank financing.”

In the absence of social and political stability, the future remains uncertain for the managers of the vandalized gas stations. The timeline for their potential return to business remains ambiguous, pending improvements in the political situation.

The ongoing unrest in Mozambique has severely impacted the fuel retail sector, leading to significant job suspensions and the closure of numerous gas stations. With the association’s leaders emphasizing the need for political stability to facilitate recovery, the future of these businesses remains uncertain. The skepticism surrounding government support further complicates the path to restoration, underlining the critical necessity for a stable environment for rebuilding efforts to commence.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com