In certain areas of Mozambique’s central region, the climate is characterised by high temperatures and a lack of significant rainfall. These arid and semi-arid areas often face severe water scarcity that impacts drinking water supply, farming, and community health.
To address water shortages in the central region of Mozambique, the Central Regional Water Administration (ARA Centro,IP), in partnership with Songo Polytechnic Institute (ISPS) with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mozambique, started the construction of sand dams. This type of dam was first introduced in Mozambique in 2007 by the Christian Council of Mozambique (CCM) and has proven to be an effective solution for improving water storage and water availability in the dry areas of Tete and Manica Provinces.
What are sand dams?
Sand dams are small structures designed to retain water and sand, built in a watercourse with a high capacity for transporting sandy soils. In this type of dam, the water is stored underground, in the spaces between the sand grains. This reduces water loss due to evaporation.
The underground water is usually extracted through a scoop hole or a hand pump. The first method is more common in Tete, but the water can be polluted by animals.
Other great benefits are associated with sand dams: they help to improve access to clean water (as the sand acts as a natural filter), reduce the risk of water contamination, and also help to reduce the mosquito population.
The costs of constructing a sand dam are typically low because of the use of locally available materials and the involvement of the local community.
Community engagement in water storage
Engaging communities in the development of water storage solutions is crucial for sustainable water management in areas facing water scarcity. ARA Centro,IP and ISPS have been working with members of the communities that benefit from sand dams in all stages of the planning, construction, and maintenance process. This approach increases community ownership and improves the relationship between local communities and the public and private entities.
Promoting the construction of sand dams
ARA Centro,IP has been building sand dams as part of the activities of the Dutch Embassy’s IWRM programme in Mozambique. The Blue Deal partnership is working with ARA Centro,IP and ISPS to share knowledge and experience in the construction of this type of infrastructure with the other ARAs.
In a Community of Practice of Water Storage set up by our partnership, representatives from each ARA and DNGRH meet regularly to discuss planning, construction, and maintenance of sand dams among other subjects in the field of water storage.
The partnership is also helping to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Water Storage in ARA Centro,IP (Tete). This CoE will share knowledge and spread the word about this topic to professionals in the water sector, students, and the general public.
