The Mozambican Government has mobilised more than US$100 million (6.4 billion meticals) in international funds during its first 100 days in office, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo announced on Monday (28) during the official review ceremony held at the Joaquim Chissano Conference Centre in Maputo.
According to the head of state, the funding came from the People’s Republic of China (4.3 billion meticals), Japan (1.3 billion meticals) and Sweden (704 million meticals). Small additional contributions were obtained from Libya (3.2 million meticals) and Brazil (2 million meticals in goods).
On the same occasion, Chapo recalled the commitment made at his inauguration on 15 January to ‘renew Mozambique, restoring freedom, justice and prosperity for the people’, stressing that he governs for all Mozambicans ‘even those who did not vote for us’, with determination and courage.
The report shows that 92 of the 96 indicators set out in the Impact Action Plan have been achieved, with 25% of the targets exceeded by more than 100%.
Among the achievements, the following stand out: 1,177 surgeries in public hospitals — almost double the target —, the distribution of more than 12 million school books and the electrification of two administrative posts in the provinces of Zambézia and Nampula. A total of 43,000 uniforms were also delivered and 453 health units were equipped with new biosafety equipment.
Internally, the Government paid overdue debts to suppliers and civil servants, regularised the 13th salary and launched the Economic Rehabilitation Fund with an initial allocation of one billion meticals. In addition, a credit line of 10 billion meticals was created to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises affected by climate phenomena and post-election demonstrations.
In the area of infrastructure, maintenance work was carried out on 2,444 kilometres of roads, of which 2,341 km were routine maintenance and 13 km were periodic maintenance. To strengthen the railway network, three locomotives were purchased and stations were built on the Dona Ana branch line in Tete province. In the maritime sector, 1,100 life jackets were distributed for safety on critical crossings.
‘A credit line of 10 billion meticals was created to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises affected by climate phenomena and post-election demonstrations.’
In terms of public safety, the Government created 118 new community councils and revitalised 491 existing structures, in a bid to prevent crime. In addition, coastal surveillance has been strengthened with the acquisition of a vessel, currently stationed in Nacala.
In the technological and educational field, Internet networks have been installed in 100 schools and 5,000 computers have been distributed to disadvantaged students. In the energy sector, thousands of new electricity connections and the electrification of two administrative posts are noteworthy.
In the education sector, in addition to the distribution of books, 17 million school meals were served and 5,600 young people were certified in technical and vocational courses.
Chapo also addressed the crisis at Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), denouncing conflicts of interest that delayed the renewal of the fleet. The head of state promised to restructure the company, ‘removing personal interests and safeguarding the interests of the people.’
In the field of justice, the Judicial Court of Nampula province and the district courts of Mueda, Mágoè and Chibabava were inaugurated.
In the economic sphere, in order to increase state revenues, international reference prices for strategic products such as gas, coal and heavy sands were updated, and the Market, Prices and Statistical Data Observatory was set up, which will serve as the basis for the creation of a new regulatory instrument.
Externally, Mozambique promoted its image at eight international fairs held in Spain, South Africa, Germany, Portugal and Japan, reinforcing its commitment to tourism and investment attraction.
Despite initial obstacles, namely the lack of an approved budget, Chapo stated that the Government has transformed ‘challenges into opportunities’, reiterating that the priority is to ‘build an inclusive, prosperous and happy Mozambique for all Mozambicans’.
Source: O País
