One third of Madagascar's rural water systems that break down are not fixed properly. Building wells is only the first step; ensuring long-term access to clean drinking water is the real challenge. Without support from the local government to maintain the wells, it is vital that communities look after their water points themselves. Infrastructure alone is not sustainable. Help us train rural communities in Madagascar to retain long-term access to clean drinking water.
Nearly three-quarters of Madagascar's 22 million people live in rural areas, yet just 35% have access to improved water sources. In the remote Anosy Region, a lack of drinking water and poor hygiene perpetuate disease and malnutrition. Financial limitations and a lack of understanding between water and health means that wells that need maintenance are often abandoned. However with the right training, rural communities can look after their wells and retain sustainable access to clean water.
Our project will map and repair wells, engage with Commune-level authorities, and work with schools to ensure that young people act as agents of change. Utilising SEED's well-established WASH partnerships and networks, the project will actively engage with local, regional and national stakeholders to share learning and best practice, whilst building capacity to implement a scalable and replicable well management model.
The project will increase the capacity and motivation to access clean drinking water in 30 rural communities, at the same time as building the capacity of authorities to manage water sources. Improved access to clean drinking water and a better understanding of hygiene practices will reduce the extreme levels of disease and malnutrition the communities currently experience.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
