Mozambican President Daniel Chapo says water levels are beginning to recede in flood‑hit Gaza province, clearing the way for the reopening of National Road Number 1 (N1) within the next two weeks.
The country’s main north–south highway has been cut for a fortnight between the twons of Incoluane and 3 de Fevereiro, severely disrupting humanitarian operations and economic activity.
Chapo made the announcement on Tuesday after conducting an aerial assessment of the worst‑affected districts.
He said that although the situation remained critical, improving conditions now allowed contractors to resume work on restoring the road link.
“We are absolutely certain that within one – at most – two weeks, we will restore the connection on National Road Number 1,” he told journalists, noting that repair teams had remained on standby even as waters continued to rise.
The floods, triggered by weeks of intense rainfall, have affected more than 700,000 people across southern and central Mozambique, inundating farmland, damaging infrastructure and displacing thousands.
Gaza province has been among the hardest hit, with extensive flooding in Xai‑Xai and Chókwè where nearly 600 hectares of crops have been lost.
Authorities say the agriculture sector urgently needs 26,000 tonnes of certified seed – comprising 15,000 tonnes of maize, 8,000 tonnes of rice and 3,000 tonnes of beans – to support recovery and ensure planting for the second crop season.
Humanitarian assistance continues to arrive, but officials warn that restoring transport corridors such as the N1 is essential for delivering aid and restarting local economies.
JN/APA