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Space, state-building and the hydraulic mission: Crafting the Mozambican state

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  • Maria Rusca
  • Tatiana dos Santos
  • Filippo Menga
  • Naho Mirumachi
  • Klaas Schwartz
  • Michaela Hordijk

Abstract

This article explores the role of large-scale water infrastructure in the formation of states in sub-Saharan Africa. We examine this through a focus on government agents and their shifting hydro-developmental visions of the state in colonial and post-colonial Mozambique. Over time, the focus, underlying principles and goals of the hydraulic mission shifted, triggered by contextual factors and historical developments within and outside the country. We identify the making of three hydraulic paradigms, fostering different imaginaries of ‘the state’ and social and spatial engineering of the territory: the ‘Estado Novo’ (1930–1974), the socialist post-independence state-space (1974–1987) and the neoliberal state (1987–present). We then conclude by discussing how the shifting discursive justifications for infrastructure projects consolidate different state projects and link these to material re-patterning of hydrosocial territories. Whilst promoted as a rupture with the past, emerging projects tend to reaffirm, rather than redistribute, power and water within the country.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Rusca & Tatiana dos Santos & Filippo Menga & Naho Mirumachi & Klaas Schwartz & Michaela Hordijk, 2019. "Space, state-building and the hydraulic mission: Crafting the Mozambican state," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 37(5), pages 868-888, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:37:y:2019:i:5:p:868-888
    DOI: 10.1177/0263774X18812171
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sumich, Jason, 2010. "Nationalism, urban poverty and identity in Maputo, Mozambique," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 28473, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Marcus Power & Joshua Kirshner, 2019. "Powering the state: The political geographies of electrification in Mozambique," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 37(3), pages 498-518, May.
    3. Rhodante Ahlers & Valeria Perez G�ida & Maria Rusca & Klaas Schwartz, 2013. "Unleashing Entrepreneurs or Controlling Unruly Providers? The Formalisation of Small-scale Water Providers in Greater Maputo, Mozambique," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(4), pages 470-482, April.
    4. Rutgerd Boelens & Jaime Hoogesteger & Erik Swyngedouw & Jeroen Vos & Philippus Wester, 2016. "Hydrosocial territories: a political ecology perspective," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(1), pages 1-14, January.
    5. World Bank, 2007. "Mozambique Country Water Resources Assistance Strategy : Making Water Work for Sustainable Growth and Poverty Reduction," World Bank Publications - Reports 7942, The World Bank Group.
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