First Impressions-Chaos, Squalor, Corruption, Optimism

Chaos: Border crossing between South Africa and Mozambique: Minimal organization and other than the uniformed personnel behind the counters, it is impossible to tell officials from the public. Large numbers of peddlers, money-changers, and con artists clog the pathways to the offices, though surprisingly, out of this chaos order prevails.

Squalor: The drive to Maputo and in Maputo itself was a look into the eyes of abject poverty and desperate squalor. Makeshift houses, trash dumps in the city, people “harvesting” the trash heaps just to survive.

Corruption: Our driver, Robert, had taken a wrong turn in Maputo, and we found ourselves stopped behind a stationary car. Three policemen were standing on the curb. Robert stopped to ask directions and was informed he had committed a traffic violation by stopping on this street. Heated words were exchanged, and we were finally permitted to leave after paying the required bribe. This is a common occurrence, I was later told.

Optimism: The beauty and artistry on display at the Saturday Craft Market and the natural beauty of the beaches and coastline were counterpoints to the trash heaps, garbage dumps, and deplorable living conditions observed on our trip into the city. The city is teeming with street vendors. It is the only way the majority of the people can make a living. This “black market” or “underground economy” contributes nothing to the city/country’s tax base, but the legitimate economy is inaccessible to the average man. An overwhelming sense of optimism abounded throughout these early steps of our journey, all that we meet sense that this young country has potential yet unrealized, a latent promise yet to be seen.

-John

Mozambique-Delivering as One

At the beginning of the millennium, Mozambique seemed on its way to sustainable and prosperous economic growth. Having recently overcome a devastating civil war that killed nearly 1 million people and displaced countless more, Mozambique looked forward to a projected 10 percent growth rate and to taking on a position of leadership in Africa.

Just three months later however, the country suffered an enormous setback when severe widespread flooding occurred. And just one month later, natural disaster struck again as a destructive cyclone tore through the center of the country. These tragedies have severely impeded Mozambique’s growth, which has since decreased to less than 4 percent. According to official UN figures, the floods killed over 700 people, destroyed the homes of 250,000, ruined vast areas of cultivated land, and killed large numbers of cattle. Flooding also destroyed or damaged 90 percent of Mozambique’s irrigation infrastructure, along with hundreds of schools, hospitals, and businesses.

In the past ten years, Mozambique has made great strides in recovering from its misfortune in 2000. In projects spearheaded by the United Nations Delivering as One Project, Mozambique has received over $250 million in aid. Today, the nation boasts a growth rate of over 7 percent. However, there is still work to be done. The country relies heavily on foreign aid and suffers from a 21 percent unemployment rate, as well as a serious human trafficking problem. Large numbers of young women and children are trafficked to South Africa for forced labor and sexual exploitation. Most of the perpetrators have avoided prosecution and capture, exacerbating the problem and hampering efforts to stop these atrocious crimes.

Furthermore, corruption within the government and a lack of solid financial infrastructure continue to hinder the development of Mozambique. UNDP is dedicated to helping Mozambique fulfill the Millennium Development Goals and continue its journey to becoming a self-sufficient state.

From August 5-15 UNDP-USA's Executive Director Elizabeth Latham, will be leading a team through Mozambique to experience UNDP's work first hand. Her team will be blogging their experiences live here and through UNDP-USA's Twitter.