A month after cyclone Chido unleashed devastation across Mayotte, the archipelago continues to contend with extensive damage and a sluggish recovery process, particularly in the northern regions of the Indian Ocean territory. On Wednesday, an emergency bill designed to speed up reconstruction efforts was approved in the French lower house of parliament.
As cleanup operations continue across the Indian Ocean archipelago, it is clear that no area has been spared the devastation.
"The island was hit particularly hard this time; the damage is clear," said Aramadi Salim, a driver in the capital, Mamoudzou, speaking to RFI.
Amidst the wrecked vegetation and debris-strewn roads, Salim noted some progress: "Things are starting to improve. We spent a week without electricity or water, searching for water wherever we could. Now that the power has been restored, life is getting better."
However, Salim’s return to work is far from easy. "Just getting fuel means waiting in line for hours," he said.
The situation in Mamoudzou is improving, but in the northern part of the archipelago, which bore the brunt of the cyclone, it's much more complicated.
"The boat is my livelihood. Without it, I can’t work," says a fisherman, standing near a bay where most of the boats have capsized.
"We’re practically cut off from Mamoudzou, even when it comes to information."
‘Slums already up’
In Mayotte, information is just as critical as water and food.
In some areas, contact with authorities and insurers remains impossible, fuelling frustration.
"Why are they hiding the truth? Half the population of Hamjago still doesn’t have electricity," says Faoulati, a mother of four.
"It’s inhumane. The aid that arrived hasn't reached us in the north. Everything is concentrated in the slums where illegal immigrants live. And we’re left out," she adds.
The slums, known as bangas, reflect another ongoing issue in Mayotte – illegal immigration, mostly from the Comoros.
"There’s a big problem in Mayotte right now. All the bangas are already up. Now is the time to fix it," explains Mari Atibou, a resident of southern Mayotte.
Emergency bill passed
During his visit two weeks ago, Prime Minister François Bayrou promised to tackle illegal immigration and rebuild Mayotte "within two years".
French PM Bayrou unveils ‘Mayotte standing’ reconstruction plan
His emergency bill, aimed at speeding up reconstruction, was passed in the National Assembly on Wednesday despite criticism from opposition parties. The law also includes temporary social measures.
Manuel Valls, the newly appointed Overseas Territories minister, added that a second law to propose longer-term solutions, was scheduled for March.
Additionally, a bill restricting birthright citizenship in Mayotte will be reviewed on 6 February. It is aimed at lengthening the residency requirement for parents seeking French nationality for their children.
