Post-flood reconstruction in Mozambique could cost more than $600 million

The Mozambican government estimates it needs at least $644 million to recover from the damage caused by the intense rains of the last three weeks, which caused floods in several regions of the country, with the greatest impact in the center and south. The reconstruction plan, already approved by the Council of Ministers, aims for an integrated response to restore infrastructure and support the affected populations.

To address this situation, the Mozambican government needs at least $644 million to repair the damage caused by the heavy rains recorded in the last 20 days. The floods, which mainly affected the central and southern regions of the country, caused 12 deaths, 45 injuries, and four missing persons, in addition to affecting approximately 692,522 people, corresponding to 151,962 families.

The material damage is equally significant: approximately three kilometers of National Highway Number One (EN1) – the country's main road axis – were damaged, while 1,336 kilometers of other roads were destroyed. In the housing sector, 771 houses were completely destroyed and 3,447 partially damaged, and 229 health units were flooded.

Government spokesman Inocêncio Impissa, speaking after the 2nd ordinary session of the Council of Ministers in the city of Xai-Xai, admitted that the figures are still preliminary, but are already included in the Reconstruction Plan for the destroyed infrastructure. 

According to Impissa, Minister of State Administration and Civil Service, the document prioritizes the protection of human life and guides the response and reconstruction based on principles of resilience, inclusion, and sustainability. 

The Plan establishes resilient reconstruction as a binding principle, ensuring that future infrastructure can better withstand extreme weather events. Furthermore, it establishes preventative and ongoing planning as pillars of governance, promoting safer territorial development.

“By approving the strategic guidelines for finalizing this Plan, the Government reaffirms its determination to lead a transformation process that structurally reduces the impacts of floods,” the minister stated, as quoted by the Mozambique Information Agency (AIM).