MOZAMBIQUE’S economic growth, which had averaged 10% annually prior to devastating floods early in 2000, will suffer from the disaster for another year, a government minister said this week. The southern African country saw all efforts made since 1992 – after a 16-year civil war – washed away at the beginning of this year by the worst floods in living memory which claimed more than 700 lives. Combating the impact of the floods on the economy will be one of the government’s priorities in 2001. Last May, donors pledged $450m to assist Mozambique in its reconstruction bid, but the funds were not immediately disbursed. – AFP