GCIEP Mozambique delivers Urban Improvement Plan to Beira’s Macurungo-Miquejo neighbourhood

• On 29 October 2025, GCIEP formally handed the Urban Improvement Plan for the Macurungo-Miquejo neighbourhood to the city of Beira.
• The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Beira, Albano Carige, as well as members of the provincial government and local community.
• The plan will help Macurungo-Miquejo mitigate climate risks and adapt to environmental challenges.

On 29 October 2025, GCIEP formally handed over the Urban Improvement Plan for the Macurungo-Miquejo neighbourhood to the city of Beira. The ceremony brought together members of the Macurungo-Miquejo community, the Mayor of Beira, officials from the Beira Municipal Council, representatives of the provincial government, academic institutions, international partners, local associations and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The Urban Improvement Plan for Macurungo-Miquejo was developed by GCIEP in response to Beira’s vulnerability to climate change.  The plan outlines a dynamic and adaptive framework built upon incremental regeneration, integrated infrastructure and community engagement. It aims to redesign the neighbourhood’s road network, implement multi-purpose ecological infrastructure, and promote mixed land use to balance urban densification with environmental resilience.

For Beira to mitigate risks and adapt to environmental challenges, the Urban Improvement Plan emphasises community participation and the need for environmental, social and economic sustainability. It also advocates resilient urban development by combining nature-based solutions, traditional knowledge and modern urban approaches.

The detailed plan has three sections: a situation report, proposed solutions and cost estimates, and a regulation document. The implementation of the plan is expected to deliver substantial and long-lasting benefits, including:

• Reduced flooding and erosion risks.
• Enhanced quality of life and an improved urban environment.
• Greater ecological value of the neighbourhood.
• Improved social cohesion and community organisation.
• Local economic opportunities.
• Greater inclusion of children, youth and women in the community.
• Improving the neighbourhood’s image and attracting visitors.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Beira, Albano Carige. “The Urban Improvement Plan for Macurungo-Miquejo is a crucial instrument for the urban, environmental and social renewal of this area,” he said. “It has the potential to transform the neighbourhood into a true second city within Beira. Its implementation will address the community’s needs and improve the quality of life for all residents. Our mission is to promote well-being and meet the population’s aspirations – and that begins today with the presentation of this plan.”

"The Urban Improvement Plan for Macurungo-Miquejo is a crucial instrument for the urban, environmental and social renewal of this area." Albano Carige, Mayor of Beira.

Mayor Carige and the municipal team responsible for infrastructure and construction will now present the plan directly to the Macurungo-Miquejo community as a gesture of appreciation for their engagement and ownership throughout the process. The Municipality of Beira will then submit the plan for Assembly approval and proceed with the legal formalities to enshrine the plan in law.

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The UK’s Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme is tackling climate change and extreme poverty by accelerating the delivery of sustainable green cities and climate-resilient infrastructure.