The Government of Mozambique, with 140 million dollars in funding from the World Bank, is implementing the Northern Mozambique Urban Development Project (PDUNM) to rebuild 2,000 houses over the next year in Nampula, Nacala, Pemba, and Montepuez. The project focuses on improving housing conditions, generating employment, and supporting local economies.
Each municipality will receive at least 500 houses in selected neighbourhoods. Instead of hiring large contractors, the project will engage and train local workers such as bricklayers, carpenters, blacksmiths, and assistants from within the communities. This approach is expected to create around 8,000 jobs and business opportunities for young people.
A total of 560 young people will be employed as surveyors to collect socio-demographic data, which will aid in selecting beneficiaries. The selection criteria will include factors such as multidimensional poverty, vulnerability, displacement, and housing conditions. The selection committees will consist of representatives from the Housing Development Fund, municipal governments, social welfare and disaster management institutions, neighbourhood secretaries, and community members. Local suppliers and producers of construction materials will undergo training designed to align their practices with established project standards. This initiative aims to encourage sustainable practices while also enhancing the resilience of local supply chains.
Beyond housing reconstruction, the PDUNM will support urban infrastructure development and the regularization of land and property rights. The project promotes inclusive growth and resilience while advancing the goals of a green economy.
