Maxixe City Council implements a children playgroung as part of SIRI Project

“Now we have a playground nearby, which is nicer and newer. So we can play without having to go far.” Says  Cleide Cremildo, aged 7, who lives at Maxixe City, about the recently opened local playground built as part of the implementation of SIRI Project, a EU funded program being implemented in 14 local governments and 6 municipalities in Inhambane Province.

The park has 4 swings, 10 benches, 3 slides, 1 bounce house, 1 ladder, etc, and it was prioritized, among other projects, by the Maxixe City Council together with Civil Society Organizations and Community Leaders, so that the final result reflects the wishes of the local communities.

Lázaro Welemo, a representative of the civil society organizations, assures that the playground has the conditions to accommodate all children, including those with special needs, such as adapted swings, inclusive toilets and ramps.

The inauguration of the Maxixe municipality playground symbolizes one of the main expected results of SIRI Project: the development of public infrastructures aimed at the well-being of the population, the technical design of which was jointly conceived by the municipality, Inhambane Provincial Executive Council (CEPI) and the Catalan Agency for Cooperation and Development (ACCD). 

The Coordinator of the Pilot Projects, Juvêncio Nhacoongue, representing ACCD, mentions that squares and parks are fundamental for generating inertia for socializing, well-being and rest.

For his part, the Mayor of Maxixe, Issufo Francisco, mentioned the efforts of the Municipal Council and partners to make the work happen. He added: “Take ownership and good care of the park, because this is a way of ensuring that children have a happy childhood.”

With a capacity for 60 children, the park hopes to benefit 2,000 children.

In general, are 20 projects being implemented in equal number of territorial units of Inhambane province (14 local governments and 6 municipal councils) in the areas of education, health, water supply, prevention of disasters, among others.