More than one-third of Mozambique’s population continues to lack access to safe drinking water, leaving millions exposed to public health risks and highlighting the country’s structural challenges in water supply, sanitation and hygiene.
According to government data presented under the ProÁguas 2026–2036 programme, national water supply coverage currently stands at 62.6%, meaning 37.4% of the population still does not have access to clean water. The situation is more severe in rural areas, where long distances to water sources, weak infrastructure and the impacts of climate change continue to constrain supply.
Sanitation Remains One of the Biggest Challenges
In addition to limited access to drinking water, sanitation remains one of the weakest areas of social development in Mozambique. National coverage is around 40%, leaving a significant share of the population without adequate hygiene and basic sanitation services.
This gap has a direct impact on community health, particularly among children, who are more vulnerable to waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera and other infections linked to unsafe water consumption and poor sanitation infrastructure.
Government Plans to Accelerate Investment Until 2036
To address these challenges, the Mozambican government is implementing the National Water Security Compact, known as ProÁguas 2026–2036, a programme aimed at expanding water supply and sanitation services nationwide. The plan includes the construction and rehabilitation of water infrastructure, improvements to distribution systems, and the strengthening of water, sanitation and hygiene services in schools, health facilities and rural communities.
The government’s target is to increase national water supply coverage to 75% by 2036, with 65% coverage in rural areas and 92% in urban centres.
Rural Areas Remain the Most Affected
Despite progress in recent years, disparities between urban and rural areas continue to define access to water in Mozambique. In remote communities, many families travel long distances to collect water, a burden that falls mainly on women and children.
The country’s climate vulnerability further worsens the problem. Droughts, floods and cyclones have destroyed water systems and made it difficult to maintain existing infrastructure, increasing pressure on public services and communities.
Access to Water Is Key to Development
Access to clean water and sanitation is considered essential for improving public health indicators, reducing poverty and developing human capital. Experts argue that expanding these services must be accompanied by investment in maintenance, efficient system management and stronger coordination between government, development partners, the private sector and communities.
Without accelerated investment and improved implementation capacity, Mozambique will remain far from universal access to water and sanitation—goals considered essential for sustainable national development.
Source: Diário Económico
