The Association of Surveyors and Land Administrators in Mozambique defends the age of mapping the areas prone to mineral resources as a way to combat illegal exploitation of resources without the knowledge of the authorities.

The president of the association, José Matola, considers crucial the involvement of surveyors in the work already developed by the Government in the control of illegal mining, which can be an asset to the country.

The responsible highlighted that the association intends to act also in the agricultural sector "where we can help to identify and structure arable land, thus contributing to a better management and planning of agricultural activities in the country.

Another sector that the association intends to attack is the processing of the Right to Use and Enjoyment of Land (DUAT), especially for peasants, and, to this end, it has initiated contacts with some organizations that work in the rural area in order to outline a program for the delimitation of land belonging to peasants.

"What we feel is that surveying is an area without strong expression in Mozambique, but it is fundamental for the development process of any country. Suffice it to say that it is not possible to plan the building of infrastructures without its involvement; neither is it possible to develop commercial agriculture without a surveyor," Matola exemplified.

He added that his organization is open to working with provincial governments, including municipalities, to train staff in surveying.

The Association of Surveyors and Land Administrators in Mozambique was established in January 2021, and has 50 surveyors and partners in South Africa and the UK. Work is currently being carried out to expand it to other parts of the country. Later this year an office will be set up in Nampula province.