The pile of waste, some 15m (49ft) high, gave way in heavy rains. The dump was home to some of the city's poorest residents, who build makeshift camps amid the rubbish.

Maputo mayor David Simango said each of the 270 families living in temporary camps will be given $2,000 so that they can rent accommodation for 12 months while the government builds houses for them about 25km (15.5 miles) north of the city.

Mr Simango made the announcement while visiting one of the two temporary makeshift camps where the families are living.