Maputo, 19 May (AIM) – Mozambican President Daniel Chapo believes that water is strategic asset of national sovereignty and a central element for social development.
According to the President, who was speaking on Monday, in Maputo, at the launch of the National Compact for Water Security 2026–2036 (PROÁguaS), the management of water resources should be treated as a strategic priority for the country.
“Water is no longer seen merely as a natural resource. It constitutes a strategic asset of sovereignty, climate resilience, and the sustainable development of nations. Water plays a decisive role in the national economy, directly influencing sectors such as agriculture, energy, industry, and urban development”, he said.
“Water security will be one of the major factors that will determine the prosperity, stability, and competitiveness of nations”, he added.
According to Chapo, the country needs to build and rehabilitate dams in order to expand water supply systems, and reinforcement of hydrological monitoring throughout the national territory.
“We want to transform the rainwater that is currently lost in rivers and the sea into reserves of hope, production, and prosperity for future generations, since the country continues to face challenges in accessing water and sanitation services”, he said.
“Currently, Mozambique has estimated water supply coverage levels of around 62.6 percent, while sanitation coverage is around 38.2 percent. In rural areas, sanitation coverage is around 24.6 percent, while thousands of families continue to be exposed to the painful and humiliating reality,” he said.
With PROÁguaS, he said, the government intends to raise national water supply coverage to 75 percent by 2036, with 65 percent in rural areas and 92 percent in urban areas. We also intend to raise national sanitation coverage to 60 percent and progressively eradicate open defecation throughout the national territory”, he said.
“We want communities where water ceases to be a privilege and becomes an accessible and sustainable reality for all”, he added.
(AIM)
SNN/Am/
