Improved access to safe drinking water

The project aimed to ensure access to safe drinking water in five villages of the Mphonde Traditional Authority. It also aimed to improve water use and hygiene practices amongst the population.

Thanks to the drilling of five wells, one per village, 100% of the population concerned (26% before the implementation of the project) or 1,212 people (653 women and 182 children under 5 years of age), now have access to safe drinking water. The water points, dug near people’s homes, were easily accessible to all inhabitants, reduced the workload for women and improved school attendance amongst children. One of the first results was a significant reduction in the number of cases of diarrhoeal disease (50.7% to 2.5%). The program included the creation of water committees (formed mainly of women) to ensure the management, maintenance and preservation of the water sources and to promote good hygiene practices, in particular hand washing.

Founded in 1984 by Canadian doctors, Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR) works closely with the most vulnerable communities in Africa.