The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) in Gaza province yesterday called on business owners and traders in cities and towns affected by the floods to act with greater caution when removing spoiled products, in order to safeguard public health.

In a statement, the CTA expressed concern about the way some already rotting products have been placed on pavements, in front of commercial establishments, a situation that exposes the population to the risk of consuming unfit products and the spread of disease.

The organisation recommends that deteriorated products and their derivatives be placed in black plastic bags, properly tied, to prevent them from being taken by members of the public. According to the CTA, this measure aims to ensure that the waste is subsequently collected safely by trucks from the Xai-Xai City Council or by private operators assigned for this purpose.

The CTA also calls for the collaboration of traders in the process of loading the bags, emphasising that, whenever possible, business owners themselves can take the waste directly to the landfill.

However, the confederation considers that disposal in landfills is not a definitive solution, advocating for the urgent creation of facilities for the incineration of spoiled products. “There is a risk that these products could return to families from the landfills, which could trigger disease outbreaks,” the CTA warns.