The Mozambican government is set to provide municipalities with a list of state-owned properties that can be utilized for different purposes. According to Minister of Finance Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, the State-owned company Estamo has been conducting a survey of the state's real estate assets, which totals around 80,000 properties, mostly rural land. The minister made the announcement during a parliamentary hearing in response to a query from the Livre party.
The properties will be made available to municipalities to address housing needs and create public facilities. Municipalities will have until the end of the year to indicate their interest in specific properties and propose their intended use. This initiative aims to decentralize the management of state assets and enable local authorities to make better use of underutilized properties.
Estamo's survey of state properties is nearing completion, and the company will soon forward a list of available properties to municipalities. The minister stated that the list will include properties that the state no longer needs, and municipalities will have the opportunity to decide whether to acquire them and for what purpose. This process is expected to increase the availability of housing and public facilities in various regions.
The government has already made significant progress in transferring state properties to municipalities. Since 2024, 71 agreements have been reached with 64 municipalities, involving 95 properties valued at approximately 80 million euros. This initiative is part of a broader effort to optimize the use of state assets and promote local development.
The properties being made available range from urban buildings to rural land, offering municipalities a range of options for development. By allowing local authorities to choose properties that suit their needs, the government aims to ensure that state assets are utilized efficiently and effectively. Municipalities will play a crucial role in identifying the most suitable properties and determining their intended use.
Minister Sarmento emphasized that the majority of state properties are rural land, but there may be a significant number of properties suitable for housing. The government's decision to decentralize the management of state assets is expected to promote more effective use of resources and enhance local development. By involving municipalities in the decision-making process, the government aims to ensure that state properties are utilized in a way that benefits local communities.
The transfer of state properties to municipalities is expected to have a positive impact on housing and public services in Mozambique. With municipalities having greater control over the use of state assets, they will be able to prioritize their needs and make more effective use of available resources. The government's initiative is seen as a step towards promoting local development and improving the quality of life for Mozambicans.
Key points
- Municipalities will have until the end of the year to choose state-owned properties for various uses.
- The government has already established 71 agreements with 64 municipalities, involving 95 properties valued at approximately 80 million euros.
- Estamo has surveyed around 80,000 state properties, mostly rural land, and will provide a list of available properties to municipalities.
