By Mercy Matonga:
While motorists have clocked one full month queueing and spending nights at filling stations, the government has admitted it is uncertain when the crisis will come to an end.
After previous attempts to bring hope with promises of a quick solution landed flatly, senior government officials on Sunday opted to be more cautious in providing timelines for an end to the crisis.
Both Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola and Minister of Information, who is also the official government spokesperson, Moses Kunkuyu, opted not to specify when the government believes the problem will be resolved.
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In response to a written response to a questionnaire, Matola said the Ministry of Energy is working tirelessly around the clock, implementing both immediate interventions and “sustainable long-term solutions” to end the crisis.
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However, Matola said he could not provide specific timelines for resolving the problem.
“The fuel supply chain involves complex international logistics and financial mechanisms. Although the government has been actively working on solutions, we must ensure that any interventions we implement are sustainable and adhere to proper procedures,” Matola said.
He added that government is currently pursuing a multi-faceted approach to address the situation, even though recent regional developments have affected some efforts.
“Logistical challenges in Mozambique, which impact supply routes, are being addressed with alternative arrangements actively in progress,” he said.
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On his turn, Kunkuyu said while he could not disclose specific operational details at this stage, the government is taking the fuel issue very seriously and is committed to resolving the challenges.
“The foreign exchange situation is also receiving focused attention through various economic measures. We understand the impact on businesses and households, which is why this remains a top priority for the government,” Kunkuyu said.
However, Kunkuyu did not comment on President Lazarus Chakwera’s reaction to the crisis, as the President has remained silent on the matter.
Recently, civil society organisations called on the President to address the issue publicly.
In a statement issued by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition, signed by its chairperson Gift Trapence, the group urged the government to handle the fuel crisis with the urgency it requires.
“Real leadership involves actively guiding the nation through challenges, rather than resorting to empty assurances and repetitive excuses,” it said.
