World Bank invests over USD 1.6 billion in infrastructures
The World Bank is funding the implementation of several infrastructures projects in Mozambique, totalling 1.6 billion US dollars.
According to the minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources Carlos Mesquita, the projects include construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, water supply systems, sanitation, management of water resources, housing and post-disaster reconstruction.
'The current projects portfolio financed by the World Bank amounts to about 1.6 billion,' announced Mesquita.
Of particular importance is the reconstruction of the northern and central Mozambican provinces devastated by the cyclones Idai and Kenneth which hit the country over the last few years leaving a trail of death and destruction of both public and private infrastructures.
These are figures put forward on Tuesday in Maputo by the minister during a virtual meeting with the World Bank, an event attended by several countries to share experiences and improve coordination mechanisms among institutions for better management.
The minister stressed that the sheer scale of investments requires good management, a multidisciplinary and complex approach due to the cross-cutting nature of the issues involved, particularly on roads and bridges.
He listed as examples the Integrated Development of Rural Roads, Safe Roads for Socio-Economic Integration and Connectivity in Southern Africa.
The World Bank is also funding urban sanitation and water supply systems in small villages and rural areas, especially cyclone-hit areas.
'The World Bank is the most important partner in the sector of infrastructures. It is also financing projects for water security and resilient economic growth in Mozambique.'
As a challenge for the country, Mesquita pointed out shortage qualified of human resources for specific areas to comply with World Bank requirements and agreed policies with this multilateral financial institution, especially in terms of social and environmental guidelines.
He also pointed out the need to harmonise legal instruments in line with cooperation goals.
As part of the solution to the challenges, the Mesquita assured that the ministry is building a Centre of Excellence which will support the implementation of projects funded by the bank.
(AIM)
