The World Bank has approved a US$ 110 million grant to support the Government of Mozambique’s reconstruction efforts following cyclones Idai and Kenneth. This funding will target Mozambique’s post-disaster recovery needs in the road sector and is aimed at rebuilding and rehabilitating rural roads and bridges in Sofala, Manica, Tete, and Cabo Delgado provinces.
“Cyclones Idai and Kenneth destroyed much of the road network in the six provinces, resulting in tremendous human suffering in rural communities,” noted Mark Lundell, director of World Bank countries in Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Comoros. “This project will help restore access to medical, educational and economic opportunities for affected communities.“
Damaged roads hamper emergency recovery and reconstruction efforts in all other sectors of the economy. For the poor, rural roads are the only connection to essential medical services, schools, social facilities, and directly affect their economic development. Entire communities with large numbers of people were banned for weeks. Collapsed bridges result in large detours and alternate routes, in some cases adding more than 50 km to commute.
This additional funding is part of the World Bank’s broader regional package, comprising a set of operations totaling about $ 700 million in resources to support the cyclone response in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.