MOZAMBIQUE
Beira is Mozambique's second-largest city. It is located
on the estuary of the Pungue River. Beira is important
for the country and for large parts of southern Africa because
the harbour plays a major role in the handling of imports and
exports. It is located in a developing region and so considerable
growth is expected in the coming years for the harbour,
industry, agriculture and population.
But Beira has been struggling for decades with a large number
of problems that represent obstacles to growth. For example,
coastal protection is inadequate and the drainage systemworks
badly. As a result, large parts of the city are flooded for months
during the rainy season. That is very bad for local people,
companies and infrastructure. The stagnant water means that
an outbreak of a fatal disease such as cholera and malaria is
always possible. If nothing is done, the problems associated
with sea-level rise will continue to get worse.
The ‘2035 Beira Master Plan’, which Deltares is coordinating,
has been set up to prevent this happening. The plan
was developed in 2013 in consultation with all local
stakeholders, ensuring widespread support. The plan provides
an overview of all the current and future problems associated
with climate change and sets out solutions in line with the plans
for growth. A crucial factor in terms of implementation is the
establishment of a knowledge base and planning capacity for
the Beira city authorities. There is a strong focus on this area
because the lack of expertise and capacity was one of the main
reasons why plans failed in the past.
The implementation stage began in 2014. By 2035, Beira will
have developed into a major economic hub and a safe place to
live that can cope with the impact of climate change.
The Beira Master Plan is being implemented with Witteveen+Bos, Wissing Stedebouw en Ruimtelijke Vormgeving, Van den
Broek consulting and Niras. It is a part of the Water Mondiaal
programme.
