Maputo municipality shuts down establishments, jeopardizing jobs
The Maputo Municipal Council (CMM) has closed 167 establishments that were allegedly caught operating after 9:00 PM, violating municipal regulations on operating hours between August 12 and 31.
The CMM has been conducting awareness campaigns aimed at reducing cases of non-compliance with municipal regulations and applying fines where necessary, but violations continue.
This action comes at a time when unemployment, particularly among the youth in Maputo, remains one of the city's major issues. The closures could exacerbate the lack of access to the job market.
"Twenty-four awareness campaigns were conducted, and 167 establishments were closed for non-compliance with operating hours," said Arsénia Miambo, spokesperson for the Municipal Police, during a press conference summarizing the city council's activities related to enforcing municipal regulations.
Regarding violations of operating hours, Miambo also revealed that 40 complaints were received, leading to 18 citations amounting to 293,000 meticais.
In terms of noise pollution control, the Municipal Police held two awareness meetings to inform the public about noise pollution regulations, including the open-door policy and decree 54-2013 of October 17.
Regarding public transportation, the Municipal Police conducted 108 awareness campaigns across all municipal districts, targeting key passenger terminals and intermediate stops, involving 2,023 drivers. During this period, 26 fines were issued for route shortening and deviations, amounting to 260,000 meticais (approximately $4,538). Additionally, 724 vehicles were blocked for illegal parking, with fines totaling 724,000 meticais.
In the area of informal trade, the Municipal Police, in coordination with the Municipal Directorate of Markets and Fairs and the Vendors Association, conducted 113 awareness campaigns. These campaigns focused on urging vendors not to occupy roadways and included mandatory cleaning of sales areas, prohibition of blocking access to commercial establishments, and restrictions on displaying products beyond storefronts.
The campaigns also addressed the prohibition of preparing meals in inappropriate locations.
The Municipal Police also organized 21 induction sessions for commercial establishment managers on fire extinguisher usage and held seven sessions for teachers and students.
Internally, the Municipal Police provided training on ethical procedures during the inspection of agents working in transportation and traffic.
