President Daniel Chapo has called on the district government of Funhalouro, in Inhambane province, to prioritise the economic viability and impact of projects submitted to the Local Economic Development Fund (FDEL).
The directive was issued on Friday, 11 September, during a three-day working visit to Inhambane province under the government's "Proximity Governance" programme.
According to Chapo, FDEL resources must be channelled into initiatives capable of generating income, creating employment, and stimulating local economic activity. He recommended that authorities reassess projects already submitted but not yet financed due to a lack of resources — particularly now that available funding has been doubled.
The President also argued that funds should not be concentrated in a small number of high-value projects, stressing that smaller-scale initiatives can often deliver greater impact.
"It is important to evaluate projects, not people," he said, adding that selection criteria must take into account the viability of each initiative and the capacity of beneficiaries to meet repayment obligations.
During the session, Chapo highlighted several beneficiaries who are already creating jobs with FDEL support. "This is what we want from the FDEL," he said, noting that beneficiaries who fully meet their repayment obligations will be eligible for additional financing.
On the same occasion, the President requested information on outstanding debts in the education and health sectors, as well as on food security, access to water, mobile telephone coverage, and juvenile delinquency, among other challenges facing the district.
Chapo also addressed difficulties in patient transportation caused by fuel shortages, and argued that resource distribution must account for the specific conditions and distances between districts.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=540015
