The Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources (MOPHRH) revealed that about 150 million dollars are invested annually in the provision of drinking water to ensure universal access in rural areas, where 70% to 75% of the Mozambican population resides.
The information was advanced in Nampula, by MOPHRH engineer, Teresa Guilherme, during a provincial seminar on sustainability of piped water supply services in rural areas.
According to the official, the government aims to improve the coverage rate of safe water supply in rural areas by 2030 to meet the sustainable development goals.
“The big goal is to reach 2030 with most people benefiting from safe drinking water. Along with water supply, there is the concern of improving sanitation in rural areas. The National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Program (PRONASAR) also recommends that people have adequate sanitation,” explained the engineer.
In relation to the sustainability of the water supply infrastructures, Teresa Guilherme affirmed that it is necessary to maximize the financing done for their construction, which involves funds not only from the Government, but also from partners.
“The issue of funding plays an important role, because it is necessary to maximize, to ensure that the infrastructures are sustainable so that, instead of constantly rehabilitating, we can look at building others,” she specified.
Teresa Guilherme said that to guarantee sustainability it is urgent to make the community aware of the need to pay for the water supplied through formal channels.
