Mozambique minister admits 'difficulties' in paying landslide victims

For months, families affected by a deadly rubbish dump collapse in Mozambique have not received the financial support promised to them by the government.

The dump, which was known to be home to some of the capital city's poorest residents, collapsed six years ago.

At least 17 people were killed and many more who built makeshift camps amid the rubbish were made homeless.

In response to the disaster, the government pledged 30,000 Mozambiquan meticais (£370; $470) per quarter to each affected family.

Land and Environment Minister Ivete Maibaze has now responded to complaints from an association for the victims, which says that for the past five months, 120 families have stopped receiving the payments.

Ms Maibaze says the government is trying to obtain the financing to continue the support.

“We will continue to pay the housing rental subsidy to families who have not yet received their homes until they are resettled," she said.

"However, we have maintained communication with this group whenever we have encountered difficulties in paying.”

António Massingue, the president of the victims' association, said the information available is that families will receive their payments as soon as this year's budget is approved, at the end of March.