Mozambique has invested over $704 million in ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating Cyclone Idai, a catastrophic event that struck the country in March 2019, claiming 603 lives and affecting an estimated 2.5 million people.
The funds represent 56% of the total planned reconstruction program, according to a report by the Mozambique News Agency. The government has secured an additional $526.77 million in funding, which will be used for reconstruction projects through 2026.
"All the funds mobilized are being directed toward the rehabilitation of social and other infrastructure, in line with the plan approved with our cooperation partners," government spokesperson Filimao Suaze stated, highlighting the mobilization of an extra $71 million from international partners.
According to Suaze, the reconstruction program has made significant progress with the completion of 5,750 new homes and the construction or rehabilitation of 3,269 classrooms out of 4,745 destroyed by the cyclone.
In addition, over 4,154 kilometers of roads and 28 bridges were rehabilitated, and 1,066 kilometers of power lines were repaired. In the water and sanitation sector, the program provided clean water to at least 43,403 beneficiaries, exceeding the initial target of 21,000.