The Justice Provider of Mozambique, Mr. Isaque Chande, has called on the Municipal Council of Matola-Rio to establish a governance model founded on transparency, accountability, and respect for citizens’ rights, encouraging the newly created municipality to set a positive example by adopting best practices from the outset.
Mr. Chande delivered the message during a lecture held on 29 July 2026 as part of the “Conversas com os Cidadãos” (Conversations with Citizens) initiative at the Municipal Council of Matola-Rio in Boane District, Maputo Province.
The initiative forms part of the Justice Provider’s nationwide outreach programme, which promotes awareness of the institution’s mandate while assessing the quality of municipal governance, citizen services, and the responsiveness of local authorities to public complaints and requests.
Addressing municipal leaders and officials, Mr. Chande stressed that Matola-Rio has a unique opportunity to establish a culture of good governance from its inception.
He emphasized that citizens should be treated with dignity, respect, and professionalism whenever they seek assistance from municipal authorities. Even when a request cannot be granted, he noted, public officials should provide clear explanations and maintain respectful communication.
The Justice Provider highlighted several governance challenges identified in municipalities across the country that undermine public confidence in local administration.
Among the concerns raised were:
- Delays in land legalization processes, sometimes linked to improper interests within municipal administrations.
- Multiple allocations of the same land plots, leading to disputes between families and communities.
- Lengthy delays in issuing construction permits, leaving applications pending for extended periods and creating unnecessary hardship for citizens.
Mr. Chande warned that such practices not only affect individuals seeking public services but also erode trust in public institutions and generate avoidable social conflicts.
He emphasized that citizens who comply with legal procedures should receive timely administrative decisions and should not be disadvantaged by institutional inefficiencies.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Chande reaffirmed that quality public service is a cornerstone of good governance and called upon municipal leaders to make proximity, transparency, efficiency, and accountability defining characteristics of the municipality’s administration.
Responding to the recommendations, Mr. Abdul Gafur, President of the Municipal Council of Matola-Rio, expressed appreciation for the guidance provided by the Justice Provider and affirmed the municipality’s commitment to implementing the recommendations to improve public service delivery and strengthen relations with citizens.
The “Conversas com os Cidadãos” initiative will continue across municipalities throughout Mozambique, fostering dialogue between the Justice Provider, local authorities, and communities to promote legality, good administration, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The event was attended by Ms. Leonilde Sitoe, President of the Municipal Assembly, members of the Municipal Council, councillors, citizens, and other local stakeholders.
