The groundbreaking ceremony for the Programme of Environmental Sanitation for stormwater drainage in neighbourhoods of the city of Maputo took place on 19 March, financed by the Italian Cooperation. The project is expected to last three years and represents an investment through an aid credit of EUR 60 million (for engineering design and construction works), complemented by a grant component of EUR 1.752 million (aimed at supporting programme management by the Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources).
The event was attended by high-level authorities, including the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, Fernando Rafael, the Mayor of Maputo, Rasaque Manhique, the Ambassador of Italy to Mozambique, Gabriele Annis, and the Head of AICS Maputo Office, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, among other distinguished institutional representatives.
Although officially launched on this date, works have been underway since September 2025 and include the construction of 14 kilometres of stormwater drainage systems, as well as the paving of more than 8 kilometres of roads in the KaMaxaquene district. Currently, approximately 8% of the works have already been completed. The works are being carried out by the Italian company Renco, with supervision by the Italian consultancy FCRR s.r.l.
These interventions play a key role in mitigating the impacts caused by extreme weather events, in a context where Mozambique ranks among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
The programme is part of the Italian Cooperation’s infrastructure sector efforts to promote the development of cities and communities that are more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, in coordination with two other complementary initiatives: the Drainage Programme, currently being implemented in the KaMaxaquene district, and the Regenera Programme, underway in the Chamanculo C neighbourhood.
Together, these interventions will contribute to improving environmental and urban conditions by reducing the risk of flooding and preventing waterborne diseases (such as cholera), generating a direct and positive impact on the quality of life of beneficiary populations.
During his remarks, the Ambassador of Italy to Mozambique highlighted that “the project integrates different technical solutions, including open channels, underground drainage systems and gabion structures, which will significantly improve stormwater flow and reduce flood risk.”
The Ambassador also underlined that “this project represents, in the city of Maputo, the commitment of the Italy System and Italian companies to put their technical expertise and engineering experience at the service of sustainable development, for the benefit of communities and the environment.”
This project reaffirms the commitment of the Italian Cooperation to supporting Mozambique in the implementation of integrated solutions across the infrastructure, urban development and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) sectors, contributing to improved living conditions for communities and to strengthening urban resilience in the face of climate change challenges