Citizens complain about the arrogance, prepotence, disrespect, and bad behaviour of the Matanuska company managers, cited as the main conflict areas are; the restriction of access to water (Monapo river) and fertile land which leads to worsening food insecurity, the restricted free movement of persons and property, as there are cases of fencing off access routes, disregard of the needs and choices of individuals of more vulnerable social groups such as children, women, and the elderly, and finally the usurpation of the economic, social, cultural and environmental rights of hundreds of families by the company Matanuska.
“The other cotton companies that had investments in this community understood the people, but Matanuska came to deceive and hurt people because it took all of our fertile land, limited access to the Monapo river and now there is much poverty and hunger is getting worse”. Metoceria Agrícola, resident since 1972
“People including children are being arrested, convicted, and accused of stealing bananas. We are forbidden to pass through the road and paths located near the company’s production and even access to the Monapo River. We no longer have access to fish resources and fishing activities nor fertile farmland in the river valley for agricultural use. There are restrictions on other activities essential or complementary to the survival of communities, the loss of productive work, and degradation of living conditions”. Metoceria Agrícola and ex-worker of Matanuska
“Matanuska fooled us by saying they would raise incomes for the population and improve our living conditions. To tempt and deceive the people, the man who came to talk with the communities and people handed out biscuits and the community accepted the project in anticipation of employment and other benefits. At the time of his arrival, the district administrator and the chief told us that the company would bring jobs and end poverty. We were promised a hospital which as yet has not been built. But now the chief no longer resolves community problems but only solves their problems. Women cry and face many difficulties related to access to water and food production. Those who work do not have wages and the labour is very hard for them. There are also no specific hours. Children also suffer a great deal to go to school because they are forbidden to walk on the paths around the Matanuska plantation and must travel long distances. The company prohibits the passage of persons along the road and the environment here is similar to the vice of colonial times. We have no freedom of movement.” Metoceria Agrícola
Photo by Jeremias Vunjanhe. Child carrying a sack of seed, Niassa
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