Meeting with Laura Mundabi, water, sanitation and hygiene manager in Mayotte

What are your responsibilities at SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL?

I started as assistant with the France mission. I worked on improving access to water for people in precarious situations. Then, I went to Mozambique for a year and a half. I was back in mainland France when the cyclone hit Mayotte. When I saw that SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL was sending a support team, I immediately applied.

What struck you the most when you arrived in Mayotte?

I arrived a week after the cyclone. What I saw in Mayotte was unprecedented. The most striking thing was the bangas, the slums had been completely blown away. We immediately went to meet the residents. The situation was terrible. Everywhere we arrived, we were the first to bring assistance. Two weeks after the cyclone, this was still the case.

How did the teams cope with the cyclone?

My colleagues had themselves been affected by the cyclone and had not stopped helping in the chaos that was Mayotte ever since. Contacting people to find out how they were, setting up the first tanks, filtering water… It was a relief for them to see reinforcements coming.

In practical terms, how did you work after the cyclone?

Our network of local volunteers was extremely valuable. We provided chlorinated water. There was a risk of diarrheal diseases spreading, so we distributed soap, laundry detergent, toothbrushes, and chlorine tablets. We helped people store water safely. Bringing supplies into the island was a challenge, but we were able to distribute jerry cans and install tanks…

Almost six months after the cyclone hit, what is the situation in Mayotte?

The people living in bangas have rebuilt their makeshift homes. Fruit trees and crops have been blown away, making living conditions even more difficult. The rainy season did not create sufficient water reserves to deal with the dry season. There are still regular water cuts. The water crisis continues. SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL has been raising awareness on this issue for more than two years in order to trigger the necessary action.