PRESS RELEASE
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U.S. Government Launches USAID Resilient Recovery Program in Sofala Province
May 17, 2022 – The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched a new program in Sofala province to support rebuilding efforts in communities affected by cyclones and other natural disasters. Working closely with local governments, businesses, and community members, the program will rebuild houses and public service infrastructure to be more resilient to future climate shocks. The program will design and build 24 public buildings that will serve as schools, community warehouses, markets, and health centers that can become safe shelters during cyclones and floods. This program will also provide training in resilient agricultural practices, financial management, and weather resistant building techniques.
“Mozambique is one of the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters, which have worsened in recent years due to climate change. This investment in multi-purpose infrastructure is an investment in resilient communities to help save lives and livelihoods,” said U.S. Ambassador Peter H. Vrooman.
USAID will partner with the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to implement this program, known locally as USAID Resilient Recovery in Sofala. The program will focus on low elevation areas of the Beira Corridor in Sofala Province, providing direct support to approximately 8,000 households. The public buildings constructed will reduce vulnerability to climate hazards for 650,000 people living in Dondo, Buzi and Nhamatanda districts. USAID is investing $10.1 million in this program over three years.
Building resilience for future emergencies is a critical component of the broader U.S. Government assistance in Mozambique. In close collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Mozambique, the U.S. Government provides more than $500 million in annual assistance to help Mozambique build a healthier, more secure, more democratic, and more prosperous country for all citizens.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) leads the U.S. Government’s international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises. For more information about USAIDs work, visit www.usaid.gov.
For more information about this press release, please contact the U.S. Embassy Maputo Press Office at MaputoPress@state.gov.
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