Photo : aL Jazeera
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : aL Jazeera
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Zimbabwe: Four children killed in heavy rains
On 18 October, BBC Africa reported on heavy rains in the provinces of Manicaland and Midlands in Zimbabwe. Five children were killed in the heavy rains and lightning. Meanwhile, heavy rains were also reported in the neighbouring country, South Africa, in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. In September, at least 11 people were killed in heavy rains in the province of Western Cape in South Africa. (“Five children killed amid heavy rains in Zimbabwe,” BBC, 18 October 2023)
Nigeria: To distribute USD 1.5 billion to poor
On 18 October, the Nigerian government announced that it will begin distributing USD 1.5 billion to 15 million financially struggling households. According to the Ministry of Finance, eligible families will receive USD 32 for three-months. Nearly 62 million Nigerians belong to vulnerable households in Nigeria where the total population is 200 million. The scheme aims to assist families facing economic hardships due to the removal of a fuel subsidy in May. (“Nigeria to start distributing $1.5bn cash to the poor,” BBC, 18 October 2023)
Guinea-Bissau: Power crisis amid unpaid bills
On 18 October, BBC Africa reported on Guinea-Bissau’s power crisis due to unpaid bills. A Turkish firm, Karpowership, has been providing five per cent of the country's electricity needs. However, the country failed to pay a bill of USD 15 million plunging the city into constant power cuts. The Ministry of Economy asserted that the bills will be settled within 15 days. Energy Minister Isuf Balde stated: "In a small and poor country like Guinea-Bissau, carrying out a transfer operation of this level, $10m, takes time.” A Karpowership spokesperson stated: "Unfortunately, following a protracted period of non-payment, our [floating power plant] is now unable to continue operating, we are working around the clock with officials to resolve this issue and we aim to have generation back online as soon as possible." (“Guinea-Bissau capital without power over unpaid bill to Turkey's Karpowership,” BBC, 18 October 2023)