Since the end of the civil war and the first multiparty elections in 1994, important advances in decentralization were made in Mozambique. The number of municipalities increased regularly and districts were endowed with increasing responsibilities as local development pole.

However limitations remain to ensure the delivery of quality public services that are effectively responsive to the needsof the populations. Accountability mechanisms tend to be weak. Budgets and plans are unknown or sometimes not complete and the population is often not informed of progress of plans. Civil society is relatively young and lacks experience in claiming rights and accountability or influencing government priorities.

In this context, the provision of quality public services that respond to community priorities remains an important challenge. In particular, potable and reliable water supply is recognised as a critical element in relation to infrastructure expansion and poverty reduction. At present the coverage of water supply is at an average of 59.6%, whereas the sanitation coverage is estimated at 40%.

In 8 districts in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, effective decentralization, especially in the water and sanitation sector, has advanced, thanks to the active participation of organized citizens in decision-making, claiming increased responsiveness and accountability in public service provision.

• 8 Local government, 50 Local Council, 158 Community Development Council
• 121 Water and Sanitation Committees
• Private Sector (Artisans, mechanics)
• 4 Implementing Partners
• Civil Society
• communities in 8 intervening districts

Capacity building, training and technical assistance to Community Development Committees and Water committees on:

• Operation and maintenance of water points as well as good governance aspects.
• Roles and responsibilities, organization, functioning of the consultative councils, Law of State Administration - LOLE, district planning, monitoring, debating skills and other modules.
• Gender issues as leadership skills, negotiation skills, speaking in public.
• Public audits around construction and rehabilitation of water schemes and coaching.
• Good governance principles, project cycle management, and planning in relation to the National Water Strategy and other policies.

Promotion and strengthening of thematic networks at district level and their links to provincial level and the provincial observatory.

Radio programs and public debates regarding public service delivery, especially WATSAN, including outcomes of monitoring events/activities.

Provision of funds to district government for construction and rehabilitation of 60 water infrastructures.

Expected results:  

• Community development plans are approved at local level and public services claims are discussed at Local Council Level.
• Community and District resources are mobilized and effectively used to respond to community agendas, specifically for their WatSan needs.
• Water and Sanitation infrastructure is constructed or rehabilitated and operation and maintenance is ensures.
• Good practices on service delivery trough methodologies on citizen participation in planning are documented and disseminated.

Results from previous phases:  

• 716 civil society members trained in participation and monitoring of public services.
• 73 community development plans discussed in Consultative Councils.
• 504.219 listeners to radio programmes on district planning, governance and water and sanitation.
• 30% of women with a leadership position in Community development Councils and Consultative Councils.
• 80% of Water Committees manage successfully their water points.
• 68.563 people sustainably covered by water and sanitation infrastructure.
• 23 events on knowledge sharing at different levels on issues related to governance and water and sanitation between organisations and programmes.

• Provincial and District Governments related with WatSan sector
• Private sector enterprises and businesses
• civil society organizations
• community based organizations

Under the Local Government Bodies Act-LOLE, the focus will be to promote gender equality, in community-based organizations in terms of its composition, decision making and leadership. The issue of HIV, from a prevention standpoint, will also be covered.

Phase 2 01.04.2012 - 30.09.2015   (Completed)