Mozambique allocates over 704 mln USD for post-Cyclone Idai reconstruction: report

MAPUTO, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) — Mozambique has invested more than 704 million U.S. dollars in the ongoing post-Cyclone Idai reconstruction, representing 56 percent of the planned implementation of the reconstruction program, according to a report by the Mozambique News Agency (AIM).
During a press briefing following the 26th ordinary session of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, government spokesperson Filimao Suaze announced that the country has secured an additional 526.77 million dollars to be utilized in reconstruction by 2026.
The funding is essential for the continued restoration of vital infrastructure and services across the affected regions, Suaze was quoted as saying.
Suaze highlighted that the government has successfully mobilized an extra 71 million dollars from international partners, including 16 million dollars from the African Development Bank, 25 million dollars from Tzu Chi Foundation, and approximately 30 million dollars from the World Bank.
“All the funds mobilized are being directed toward the rehabilitation of social and other infrastructure, in line with the plan approved with our cooperation partners,” said Suaze.
Under the reconstruction program, the government has completed the construction of 5,750 new homes, with 3,269 classrooms built or rehabilitated out of the 4,745 destroyed, according to the report.
Sauze said that 4,154 km of roads and 28 bridges have been restored, and 1,066 km of power transmission lines have been repaired.
In the water supply and sanitation sector, the program is currently providing clean water to at least 43,403 beneficiaries, surpassing the initial target of 21,000, the report said.
Cyclone Idai, which struck central Mozambique in March 2019, claimed 603 lives and affected an estimated 2.5 million people, prompting an extensive recovery operation. ■