Water Crisis Looms as Locumue Dam Levels Drop in Niassa Province

In Niassa province, Mozambique, about 7,000 people in Lichinga may lose access to drinking water due to significantly low levels in the Locumue dam. As of now, the dam’s water level is critically low, measuring only 6.6 meters, compared to its capacity of 11.8 meters, which poses a serious threat to the water supply for the local population.

Official reports indicate that approximately 7,000 residents of Lichinga in Mozambique’s Niassa province may soon face a shortage of drinking water. This situation is stemming from reduced water levels in the Locumue dam, which serves as the main water supply for the city. Since October, when the rainy season commenced, the dam’s water volume has diminished significantly, attributed to irregular rainfall in the region.

The director of the Northern Regional Water Administration, Santos David, highlighted the concerning status of the Locumue dam, stating it was operating at only 45% capacity at the season’s start. Currently, Locumue holds the lowest water storage level among the country’s dams. The maximum capacity of this reservoir is 11.8 meters, yet as it stands, the water level has dropped to 6.6 meters, as noted by Guilhermina Opinca from Águas da Região Norte.

The water crisis in Niassa province emphasizes the urgent need for improved water management and rainfall mitigation efforts. With current storage levels critically low, prompt action is needed to prevent a complete water supply failure for residents in Lichinga. This situation illustrates the challenges facing water supply in areas dependent on seasonal rainfall and highlights the necessity for adaptive strategies in water resource management.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com