The Centre for Public Integrity (CIP) denounced this Wednesday (July 16) that, in 2024, only 5% of the basic social subsidy allocated for the most vulnerable groups in the country was actually paid, mainly affecting the elderly and worsening the overall poverty situation.
According to a report released by the CIP, the budget execution of the Basic Social Subsidy Programme (PSSB) — the State’s main social assistance tool — has been deteriorating in recent years. The document reveals that in 2023, only 23% of the planned funds were disbursed, dropping drastically to 5% in 2024, a situation the CIP attributes to limited budgetary capacity constrained by the economic context.
“In a country where two-thirds of the population live below the poverty line, social assistance programmes should be a pillar of dignity and redistributive justice. However, the PSSB has become a symbol of broken promises, mismanagement of funds, and in some cases, corruption,” the report states.
The CIP highlights that in the last two years, social support provided by the National Institute for Social Action (INAS) to families in poverty and vulnerability has consistently remained below 7% of the annual target. A significant portion of the available resources was directed toward administrative expenses, such as security, fuel, and per diems for technicians, while thousands of elderly people, chronically ill individuals, and families in extreme poverty were denied the minimum support they are entitled to.
According to the report, the poor performance of the National Basic Social Security Strategy (ENSSB II), in effect from 2016 to 2024, is due to insufficient budget allocation by the government, poor fund management, lack of effective oversight, and inadequate coordination between sectors.
In the case of INAS branches in Marrupa (Niassa), Chimoio (Manica), and Manhiça (Maputo), the CIP details that between 2023–2024, a total budget of 129 million meticais (approx. 2 million USD) was allocated. Of that amount, approximately 87 million meticais (1.3 million USD) — 67% of the budget — was absorbed by administrative costs, leaving only 33% for the actual beneficiaries. This stands in stark contrast to the recommended efficiency benchmark, which states that only 12% of the PSSB budget should be allocated to administrative expenses.
The report further notes that for many beneficiaries — 80% of whom are elderly — the insufficient subsidy has forced them to rely on charity or adopt survival strategies deemed degrading to human dignity.
Source: Lusa
