Mozambique and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have strengthened coordination to speed up implementation of the Inclusive Urban Sanitation Project in Chimoio, an initiative funded by the banking group with 27 million dollars and intended to transform sanitation conditions in the capital of Manica province.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a working meeting held on Wednesday between the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, Fernando Rafael, the AfDB representative and their respective teams. According to a ministry statement, the meeting focused on aligning actions to accelerate the project's execution and ensure that the objectives set are met.
Approved by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group in November 2023, under Pillar I of the Transition Support Facility, the 27 million dollar grant is intended specifically for developing the Inclusive Urban Sanitation Project in Chimoio, Mozambique's fifth-largest city, with a population of more than 400,000.
The meeting was also attended by the Águas de Moçambique team and focused chiefly on strengthening coordination between the public works sector and the AfDB, creating conditions to speed up the technical, administrative and public procurement processes considered decisive for progress on the initiative's various components.
According to the Government, the project will make it possible to build essential sanitation infrastructure in the city of Chimoio, improving the population's access to safe sanitation services, reducing the risks of waterborne diseases, strengthening public health and contributing to a better quality of life for the beneficiary families.
The initiative is not limited to the city of Chimoio. Under the same financing, feasibility studies will be carried out and detailed designs drawn up for the rehabilitation and expansion of water supply systems in the cities of Lichinga and Cuamba, in Niassa province. The aim is to create the technical foundations for future structural investments able to strengthen water security and ensure a more regular water supply to those regions.
The plan also includes the construction of 76 kilometres of sewer and interceptor networks, two pumping stations, a nature-based wastewater treatment plant and a faecal sludge treatment unit.
Also planned are the construction of 30 public toilet facilities, support for vulnerable families and community members with household sanitation facilities, as well as hygiene and sanitation promotion campaigns.
Besides the physical works, the project includes technical assistance aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of Chimoio municipality in managing infrastructure and providing sustainable sanitation services, also involving small businesses and operators in the sector.
