For residents of Pemba, the capital of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, the promise of a safer cityscape is edging closer to reality.
This week, the Pemba Municipal Council and Mozambique LNG Foundation inked an agreement set to transform urban safety and security. The Cabo Delgado safety boost will see 100 solar-powered streetlights installed in high-priority areas — a crucial intervention following the devastation wrought by Cyclone Chido.
While the cyclone crippled the local grid, darkness also fuelled insecurity, raising concerns over residents’ freedom to move safely at night. The initiative aims to reverse that trend. Mayor Satar Abdulgani views the project as more than symbolic. He firmly believes improved lighting will enhance safety, mobility and daily life for Pemba’s growing population.
This fresh Cabo Delgado safety boost reflects a broader collaboration. Mozambique LNG Foundation’s relationship with Pemba has yielded critical support before, including a water supply system benefitting over 30,000 people in Paquitiquete. Now, renewable energy takes centre stage, supporting resilience and urban security in equal measure.
The municipality has prioritised areas most affected by poor lighting. “It’s not enough,” Abdulgani admits, “but this gives us a lifeline for other urgent needs.” By expanding safe pathways for women and students who travel after dark, the initiative empowers Pemba’s residents to participate more freely in education and economic life.
Importantly, the Cabo Delgado safety boost relies on practical governance. The mayor stressed his commitment to delivering on this promise, while Mozambique LNG’s Foundation Director, Narjess Saidane, reaffirmed the private sector’s role in supporting local priorities. Quick deployment is the goal. Saidane acknowledged that safety and security improvements directly underpin the city’s economic development.
Indeed, Cabo Delgado’s path forward hinges on resilience. Through public-private partnerships like this, Pemba demonstrates how strategic cooperation and renewable solutions can help communities recover from crises and build safer urban spaces. The 100 solar streetlights mark a visible milestone in the city’s recovery story — illuminating a future where security and economic vitality can thrive hand in hand.
The Cabo Delgado safety boost stands as a model for other municipalities grappling with similar challenges. By combining local leadership with private sector agility, Pemba is charting a pragmatic way to strengthen urban safety, rebuild trust in public infrastructure and keep its streets bright, secure and open for all.
Source: Further Africa
