The construction of the first houses in Chibuto, in the Sofala district of Mozambique, one of the places hardest-hit by last February�s floods has started and the works are proceeding fast . The Community of Sant�Egidio has been present among the flood-damaged population since the first days of the emergency.

The works have started immediately after the ceremony of inauguration, which was held on August 25th.

So far 19 houses have been completed; the project provides for a total of 70. The houses in the pictures are single-family, with four rooms plus a porch and an outdoor �improved latrine.� The have a square floor-plan, unlike the original project, allowing for more space. The aesthetics have been improved while the cost remains the same.

The families stricken by the flood will be able to go and live in the houses from the first months of next year. This is the sign that the rebirth is actually taking place.