This project is a technical cooperation project aimed at supporting recovery and reconstruction from the massive disaster caused by Cyclone Idai, which struck Mozambique in 2019, and to build more resilient communities against future natural disasters.

Cyclone Idai caused devastating damage to the central region centering on Sofala Province, resulting in more than 600 deaths, 1,600 injuries, and 240,000 housing units damaged, as well as severe damage to a wide range of areas, including schools, medical facilities, and transportation infrastructure. In the city of Beira, where most of the damage was concentrated, the Mozambican government, led by the Reconstruction Agency (GREPOC), formulated a Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan (BMRRP) and requested cooperation from the Japanese government.

The project implemented by JICA will strengthen the disaster prevention and mitigation capacity of the affected areas through scientific analysis of disaster risks, preparation of hazard maps, and formulation of evacuation and infrastructure reconstruction plans. The project aims to minimize human suffering and economic losses in the event of future disasters.

The project area is located in the city of Beira, the capital of Sofala State (approximately 649㎢ in area), and the activities are centered on the following two pillars. First, hazard maps will be prepared based on the assessment of disaster risks such as storm surges, floods, and cyclones, and countermeasure plans will be developed according to disaster characteristics. Second, the project supported the development of specific action plans reflecting the results of these analyses and aimed to create reconstruction strategies that include land use, infrastructure development, reconstruction of public facilities, securing evacuation routes, and even reconstruction of local livelihoods.

The project also conducted pilot rehabilitation of educational and medical facilities and presented a model for “Build Back Better” in Beira. By doing so, the project aims to lay the foundation for building a resilient city and region with a view to future expansion to other regions.