USE AND OCCUPATION OF THE NHARTANDA VALLEY RESPIRATOR AND WETLANDS ON THE ZAMBEZI RIVER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TETE: COMMUNITY PERCEPTION, AND SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS

Abstract

The present article aims to delve into the use and occupation of the Nhartanda Valley breathing space and the wetlands along the Zambezi River in the Municipality of Tete, seeking to understand the community's perception of the socio-environmental risks associated with the use and occupation of this area. This area is considered a partial protection zone as it serves as a breathing space for the Zambezi River, where waters tend to flow during peak levels. It also constitutes the aquifer used to supply water to the population within the Municipality of Tete, with ongoing projects to expand water supply using this aquifer to the city of Moatize. Currently, the population of neighborhoods surrounding the Nhartanda Valley is extending their occupations for various purposes, including the continued practice of open defecation in the area. Despite this scenario, the municipality granted one of the region's major wetlands to a businessman for construction purposes in the Nhartanda Valley area, near the STEIA intersection. This decision could have serious environmental implications, in addition to increasing socio-environmental risks for the local population. From a methodological perspective, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, exploratory in nature with an explanatory focus. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) cartographic methods were primarily applied. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, direct and indirect observation (based on satellite imagery for environmental analyses), and document analysis. The results concluded that the Nhartanda Valley is exposed to various flood risks, which could result in the loss of human lives and material damage. This vulnerability is exacerbated by a lack of awareness from both the municipality and the population. The municipality has allowed occupations in the area, often driven by political interests aimed at gaining electoral support, and has approved projects reflecting private or familial interests. On the other hand, the population, ignoring socio-environmental risks, has occupied the area for housing construction, the production of fired bricks, and open defecation practices, thereby endangering the aquifer, which is essential for water supply.