Decentralized Water Management in Gaza Province, Mozambique

The 2023 report on water committees in Gaza Province examines the role of community-based water management structures in implementing decentralized water governance. Mozambique has made significant efforts to expand water access, but institutional gaps, funding constraints, and governance challenges continue to affect rural water supply reliability. The study evaluates how local water committees contribute to sustainable water resource management, focusing on institutional capacity, financial sustainability, and community participation.

Key Findings

The establishment of decentralized water committees has significantly improved rural water supply governance, increasing community participation in infrastructure maintenance and resource allocation. However, institutional weaknesses persist, with many committees lacking financial autonomy and technical expertise. While community-led management structures enhance accountability, limited training and inadequate monitoring systems reduce their effectiveness. Strengthening technical capacity-building programs for water committees is essential to improving service delivery and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Financial sustainability remains a major challenge, as many water committees struggle to generate sufficient revenue for infrastructure maintenance. User fees are often irregular or insufficient, making it difficult to cover operational costs. The report suggests that linking water committees to microfinance mechanisms or establishing community-led savings schemes could enhance their financial resilience. Additionally, increasing local government oversight and technical support is necessary to ensure transparent financial management and accountability.

The success of decentralized water governance depends on stronger coordination between national policies, local governments, and community-based institutions. While decentralization aims to improve service delivery at the grassroots level, fragmented institutional responsibilities and unclear policy frameworks create inefficiencies. The report recommends policy harmonization, increased funding for local infrastructure, and better integration of water committees into national planning efforts to strengthen water management systems in Mozambique.

The study highlights the potential of decentralized water committees in improving rural water supply management, but financial instability, technical gaps, and weak institutional support limit their long-term effectiveness. Enhancing training programs, securing financial mechanisms, and improving coordination between government and community actors will be crucial for ensuring sustainable and equitable water access in Gaza Province.

The Bibliography source:

RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By enhancing decentralized governance, improving financial sustainability, and integrating local communities into policy implementation, Mozambique can achieve more inclusive and resilient water resource management. The Report on water committees in Gaza Province is linked to several SDGs:

The SDG'sG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.