Learning from an urban erosion control programme in Mozambique

In 2000 massive flooding caused havoc in a low-income settlement in the Mozambican capital, Maputo. Houses, roads, water pipes and electricity poles were swept away. An international NGO has partnered with municipal authorities to actively involve residents in reconstruction and infrastructure works. What are the long-term impacts and lessons?

Research from CARE Mozambique assesses theimpact of erosion control works on livelihoods in Polana Canico A, a slumoriginally settled by rural people displaced by the 16-year civil war thatended in 1992.

The project launched by CARE in associationwith the local council and people was called Kuyakana (‘to build together’). Itinvolved laying drainage pipes, building culverts, sealing a major access road,repairing a flood-damaged school and saving a health centre from subsiding.

Work was contracted out to local firms using atransparent tender process overseen by the municipality. At community meetingsresidents learned of progress and discussed how to ensure sustainability of theanti-erosion measures. The involvement of all key stakeholders in theengineering works was an innovative approach to carrying out public works inMaputo. Greater awareness of the importance of environmental issues, health andsanitation has led to increased demands for public services. A troupe ofvolunteer actors formed a street theatre group which continues to encouragechange.

Interviews with households indicatedsatisfaction with many aspects of Kuyakana’s impact:

• Stabilising gullies and removing the risk of subsidence has encouraged residents toinvest in improved housing.
• Electricity and watersupplies have been restored in most areas.
• The incidence of malaria andcholera has decreased.
• Greater social cohesion (andthe spectacular nature of the damage and subsequent repair works) has given thecommunity a higher political profile in the eyes of government officials andthe media.
• Improved communication andmobility within the community has encouraged street vendors.

However, erosion control measures have alsohad negative effects. Criminals have been provided with places to hide from thepolice. Traffic accidents have increased and are a major risk for children.There has been increased dumping of solid waste. There is no direct evidencethat the rehabilitation works have improved householders’ financial security. Theextent of poverty-induced criminality and ongoing health, water and sanitationproblems show that simply improving the physical environment in which peoplelive will not transform their lives.

Key lessons learned from the initiative arethat:

• Partnership can be empowering:response to the crisis created synergy between the community, private sectorworkers, the NGO and the municipality.
• Community mobilisation afternatural disasters can have a lasting effect on social cohesion.
• Water and electricityutilities can be stimulated to provide improved services if basic infrastructure,especially access roads, is in place.
• While public health can beimproved by infrastructure development adequate health services depend on providingaffordable health care.
• Lack of municipal capacityand financial resources meant other areas were unable to replicate the successof the erosion works in Polana Canico A.