Sofala, 13 June 2022 (TDI): The EU, Austria, and Mozambique have signed a grant agreement on Sofala. This agreement is meant to support the peace process in Sofala through the DELPAZ (Local Development for the consolidation of Peace in Mozambique) project.
The 4.7 million euro arrangement with the Provincial Executive Council of Sofala Province (CEPS) runs through the end of 2024. The grant through the DELPAZ Sofala project includes support in investments in infrastructure, public services, agriculture development, and entrepreneurship to consolidate peace in Mozambique.
The Governor of Sofala, Lourenco Bulha showed his deep gratitude to the Austrian government and the European Union (EU) for their support.
Bulha also listed the goals in the early stage of the program for the districts of Machanga, Chibabava, Gorongosa, Maringue, Chembe, and Cheringoma. He said, “During the first year, CEPS will implement quick actions such as the distribution of agriculture inputs, construction of Greenhouse, small irrigation systems, livestock dip-tanks, and solar water supply systems as well as education on better sanitation and nutrition practices.”
Over the past few years, the state of Mozambique, especially the people of Sofala has been insecure due to military tensions.
The DELPAZ Sofala:
The DELPAZ Sofala is a sub-program of the DELPAZ Programme funded by the European Union.
The DEPLAZ enhances local economic development in conflict-affected areas in Manica, Tete, and Sofala provinces.
The Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the EU, Faria de Almeida said that the EU is committed to supporting the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of former combatants.
“The EU reinforces its engagement with the peace process, aiming to promote a more equitable development of the host communities, and relaunching their local economies to provide opportunities and jobs for all so that there is no return to violence,” she added.
DELPAZ is part of the EU’s comprehensive 60 million euro to support the consolidation of peace processes in Mozambique. This includes DDR process support, reconciliation, support for the local economic development of host communities, and decentralization.
