A recent technical report from the Ministry of Public Works, Housing, and Water Resources (MOPHRH), presented on Thursday, April 23, highlighted a concerning situation regarding the condition of existing buildings in Maputo.
According to the document, the inspection, conducted on 11 buildings selected by sampling, identified consistent signs of deterioration, some of which pose actual risks to the safety of people and property. The initiative followed an incident on Filipe Samuel Magaia Avenue, where part of a structure’s cladding detached and fell onto the public sidewalk.
According to the report, the work involved a joint inspection team comprising the Mozambique Engineering Laboratory (LEM), the General Inspectorate of Public Works (IGOP), the National Directorate of Buildings (DNE), and the State Real Estate Administration (APIE).
During the presentation of the report at a press conference, the Inspector General of Public Works, Saturino Chemneze, and the director of LEM, Carlos Cumbana, explained that a significant proportion of the building stock in the city of Maputo is over 50 years old, showing structural deficiencies in systematic and preventive maintenance, which is a key factor in the deterioration currently being observed.
“The assessment was conducted based on systematic visual inspections, supplemented by photographic documentation and a technical-qualitative analysis of the identified anomalies. The primary objectives focused on evaluating the condition of the buildings, identifying structural and functional risks, and formulating technical recommendations for intervention,” they explained.
Officials stated that the inspection results allow the identified issues to be classified into five main categories: non-structural, structural, plumbing, electrical, and sanitation anomalies.
The competent authorities warn that, in the absence of immediate and structured interventions, the situation is expected to worsen, leading to a higher probability of incidents and a significant increase in future rehabilitation costs.
“In the area of non-structural anomalies, there are instances of plaster detachment, deterioration of coatings and paintwork, cracking in masonry elements, as well as the growth of mold and vegetation on building surfaces,” they stated.
With regard to structural defects, more serious issues were identified, including cracking in load-bearing elements, concrete spalling, reinforcement corrosion, and water infiltration with a direct impact on the reinforced concrete. Deformations and overloading associated with the installation of equipment without prior technical validation were also observed.
As for the plumbing system, instances of water leaks, widespread seepage, clogged drainage systems, and the absence or inoperability of fire suppression systems were noted.
Regarding electrical anomalies, the report highlights disorganized electrical panels, exposed wiring, and equipment exposed to moisture—factors that significantly increase the risk of short circuits and fire.
Regarding sanitation, inadequate conditions were found, specifically the accumulation of waste, the presence of stagnant water, persistent moisture, and the proliferation of mold, with a direct impact on the health and livability conditions of the occupants.
“The process of building deterioration is active and progressive, primarily associated with persistent water infiltration and the lack of regular and preventive maintenance. In several cases, critical defects were identified, posing a potential risk to the structural and functional safety of the buildings,” they reported.
The competent authorities warn that, in the absence of immediate and structured interventions, the situation is expected to worsen, leading to a higher probability of incidents and a significant increase in future rehabilitation costs.
In this context, they have recommended the urgent implementation of corrective and preventive maintenance measures, structural rehabilitation, and the strengthening of technical inspection mechanisms to ensure the structural safety, functionality, and habitability of the building stock in the city of Maputo.
Source: Agência de Informação de Moçambique
