One of the critical areas addressed by the Blue Deal Partnership in Mozambique is flood protection.
With an increase in severe weather events, dike systems are essential in Mozambique's battle against flood damage. Through training, technology, and collaborative effort, Mozambique's Water Management Agencies (ARAs) are gradually improving their ability to manage dike systems and protect communities against flooding.
Building Capacity and Introducing New Tools
Since Phase 1, the Blue Deal partnership has been addressing flood prevention topics in Mozambique. By the end of Phase 1 (2019 - 2022), there was a growing interest within Mozambique's Regional Water Authorities (ARAs) and the National Directorate for Water Resources Management (DNGRH) to improve the capacity of these organisations to design and manage dike systems.
In Phase 1, Dutch Water Authorities DWA dike experts conducted a dike management training for ARA-Sul and introduced a GIS-based dike inspection software(QField).Armed with new knowledge and technology, ARA-Sul inspected the dikes along the Limpopo and Incomati rivers. These inspections revealed many issues, including erosion, unauthorised construction, overgrown vegetation, and structural wear. These findings underlined the need for meticulous rehabilitation and maintenance plans to ensure the continued safety of these dikes.
Using QGIS, ARA Sul processed the dike inspection data collected and created detailed maps that were later used to develop a management plan for these dike systems.
Expanding Training Across Regions
The work developed with ARA Sul proved to be important for the other ARAs. As the need for robust dike management became apparent, the Blue Deal initiative extended its training programmes to ARA-Centro,IP and ARA-Norte,IP.
Last year, the three ARAs and the DNGRH started discussing collectively strategies for dike maintenance, best practices for dike design, and dike regulations.
In May 2024, two training in dike management were organized for ARA Centro and ARA Norte. The first training consisted of a one-week introduction to dike design and rehabilitation, led by Tecnica Engenheiros Consultores,Lda - a Mozambican consultancy firm. The second training consisted of practical training in dike inspection and data processing, conducted by DWA dike experts.
A call for urgent actions
The two training organized this year were a blend of theory and practical field visits. The team visited the Nante dike system along the Licungo River to practice dike inspection in the field. They also visited a dike breach near an irrigation pumping station (Muziva). The breaches in this last dike and other dike systems in Mozambique highlight that good dike maintenance is urgently needed in the country.
Collaborative Efforts and Knowledge Sharing
The training and inspection processes were not only about acquiring new skills but also about sharing experiences and best practices. During this year's training for ARA Norte and ARA Centro, an expert from ARA Sul shared their findings from the 2022 dike inspections along the Limpopo and Incomati rivers. This knowledge transfer is essential as ARA Norte and ARA Centro prepare to inspect their dike systems and develop their management plans.
