Early interventions to improve access to water and sanitation in Estaquinha and Barada (Mozambique)

Last August a trip to identify the project “Improving the living conditions of the population in the southern province of Sofala (Mozambique) by access to water and sanitation” was organized, with the objective of evaluating the concrete needs of the region, to specify interventions, plan all activities and budget formulation.

On the trip, in addition to the FPSC project technician also participated two volunteers from the Canal Volunteers which is an organization formed by workers of the Canal de Isabel II Management, working with the project, not only by economic financing but also supporting technician volunteers and their own technology.

This project, located in a second phase of the call, has to work with the local counterpart ESMABAMA, a Mozambican association that manages the four existing missions in the region of Sofala, one of the poorest in the country. The activities carried out in these missions have as a priority the reorganization of schools and health centres destroyed during the civil war, trying to ensure their economic independence through the development of agricultural activities. Basically ESMABAMA divides its activities into three areas: education, health and food security. The aim of this project is to improve access to water and sanitation in two missions, Barada and Estaquinha, located in the district of Buzi.

Therefore, both missions have been visited and, together with their officers and directors of every school and health center, we have examined all the facilities required for rehabilitation or new construction, specifically septic tanks, latrines and bathrooms. In addition, it was decided to drill two wells on site for the use of students and community. Also, it has been determined that awareness sessions in hygiene will be organized, forming specific people, students and workers of each mission, who in turn will train members of local communities. Thus, in addition, it is possible for students to be active in the future sustainability of the infrastructure built or renovated under the project.