Rebuilding Essential WASH Infrastructure After Cyclone Chido

Mozambique is one of the African countries most severely affected by the impacts of climate change. It is particularly vulnerable to tropical cyclones, which strike multiple times a year and bring devastation to life, property and infrastructure in one of the poorest countries in the world.

In December 2024 Cyclone Chido originated in the Indian Ocean, hit the north of Mozambique with sustained winds of over 200 km/hour. It was the one of most severe cyclones that hit the country in more than 90 years, leaving widespread devastation in its wake that impacted more than 455,000 people.

A rapid needs assessment conducted by Mozambique’s relief agency identified water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) as the affected population’s most urgent needs. Prior to Cyclone Chido, Mozambique's WASH infrastructure was already limited, with only 45% of households having access to basic sanitation services. The cyclone exacerbated these challenges, destroying water supply systems and sanitation facilities that left thousands without access to clean water and proper sanitation, thereby increasing the vulnerability of communities to disease outbreaks, especially cholera.

Building back better

Helvetas is working at the intersection of emergency response and long-term development goals by concentrating on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of WASH infrastructure in the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Our “building back better” approach will be used to reconstruct more cyclone-prone infrastructures, such as reinforced latrines and resilient water points – sustaining communities over the long term to ultimately increase their resilience.

Sustainable access to safe water

The project will rehabilitate twenty water points to improve access to safe and sufficient water to meet drinking and domestic needs. Priority will be given to water points and water systems in schools, health facilities and communities in areas where Helvetas has worked in the past to maximize existing relationships and context knowledge. Water user committees will also be reestablished and trained to ensure proper management and maintenance of the water infrastructure.

Promoting good hygiene and sanitation practices

Community and household-level awareness campaigns will be conducted in these two provinces to promote best practices for sanitation and hygiene. This includes encouragement to rebuild or construct more durable latrines that include dedicated spaces for women (Menstrual Hygiene Management), as well as raising awareness about waterborne diseases like cholera. These interventions will use Helvetas’ tested behavior change methodology, RANAS, that has been tailored to the local context.