Mozambique prioritizes access to water in the north with new systems and holes

“ The concern with water cover is at the national level, but we have found that the northern region has presented the greatest supply challenges, especially between September and December”, said today the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, Fernando Rafael, at the opening of the National Meeting of Institutional Alignment on the New Framework of the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector in Maputo.

At the meeting, promoted by the Water and Sanitation Regulatory Authority (AURA) to discuss the ongoing reforms in the sector, the ruler reiterated the need to concentrate efforts in that region, a priority also foreseen in the ProÁguas, the National Water Safety Compact 2026-2036.

“ This ProÁguas strategy also aims to prioritize these regions, where we will create conditions for more supply systems, more holes and more means, such as hand pumps, so that the rural population can benefit from more drinking water for consumption,” he added.

The meeting made it possible to frame ongoing reforms and harmonise positions on the exercise of institutional mandates from central to decentralised levels, with a view to defining practical actions to strengthen the capacity of provincial governments to coordinate and monitor the provision of services.

Fernando Rafael also challenged industry institutions to strengthen coordination in water management and information sharing.

“In the area of heritage, we must ensure clarity for everyone in the transfer of systems, giving information about assets, existing contracts, liabilities, rehabilitation needs and transitional responsibilities,” he said.

According to the Minister, the circulation of information between institutions must comply with clear rules of responsibility, periodicity and identification of recipients.

The governor also appealed to the Water and Sanitation Regulatory Authority to perform its duties with “independence and rigour”, stressing that strong regulation is essential to ensure quality standards of services, transparency and consumer protection.

The Investment Fund and Water Supply Heritage (FIPAG) is responsible for ensuring the sustainability of investments, while Mozambican Waters (AdeM) must ensure clear and responsible asset management, he added.

Fernando Rafael also argued that provincial governments, directions and societies should act in an articulated manner, despite the different competencies, to ensure the efficient functioning of the system.

In July, the minister announced that Mozambique plans to establish 876.335 new domestic drinking water connections by 2036 and build more than 25,000 public supply points, as part of the expansion of national water access coverage.

The Government also has a strategy to strengthen supply and improve the quality of services provided by Mozambique Waters.

In May, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo announced the mobilization of almost €3.950 million by 2036 for investments in water and sanitation under ProÁguas.

The programme plans to increase national water supply coverage to 75% of the population by 2036, including 65% in rural areas and 92% in urban areas, as well as the construction of dams, sanitation infrastructure and thousands of new home connections throughout the country.