Case Study 17 | Affordable and Climate Resilient Building: A Case Study of Casa Real in Beira, Mozambique
Mozambique’s long coastline and changing weather patterns make it particularly susceptible to the hazardous effects of climate change. A rapidly growing city like Beira is especially at risk, and the impact of cyclones Idai and Kenneth in 2019 were evidence of this. Beira faces the twin challenge of increased vulnerability to intense weather conditions due to climate change, and a lack of adequate and affordable housing delivery. Residential areas in urban Beira are primarily located, and continue to grow, on land prone to flooding.
Despite the city’s many challenges, housing development company, Casa Real, with support from its key investor, Reall, demonstrates that affordable and resilient housing is feasible and commercially viable.
Considering the climate change agenda and the need for housing, this case study shares findings and lessons on climate resilience and affordable housing in Beira. It draws lessons from Casa Real’s experience in building resilience, maintaining housing affordability and creating opportunities for end user financing. The case study further provides insights into how municipal capacity, strategic partnerships, and the ability to mobilise financing for infrastructure and housing development makes Beira a unique case in Mozambique, and across the continent.
The key lessons drawn from the case study are highlighted as follows:
- Access to decent, secure and affordable housing is a prerequisite for climate resilience
- Drivers of affordability and project viability: Income diversity, cross subsidisation, land use and material costs
- Access to end user finance is an important lever for affordable, resilient housing
- Leveraging partnerships and resources
