Enhancing resilience through improved access to WASH in Idjwi and Walungu territories, South Kivu

Description

The primary blockage to access to water, sanitation and hygiene in the DRC is the breakdown of local governance on water supply. Formerly the government used to fund the rural water authority SNHR (Service National d’Hydraulique Rural) and the urban water provider (REGIDESO). However, during the years of dictatorship and conflict, water provision in rural areas was not a priority and as a result, water infrastructure was left to rot. In most areas where the facilities remain, they are filthy and poorly maintained. The DRC’s troubled legacy of conflict, environmental degradation, rapid urbanisation (4% annual growth) and under-investment in water infrastructure has seriously affected the availability of drinking water and has created land conflicts, thus affecting livelihood security. Mortality is among the highest in the world with an under 5 year olds total rate of 161/1000 in which 18% is due to WASH weakness. There is a severe lack of knowledge about sanitation and hygiene, with most community members not washing hands after going to the toilet. Menstrual education for young women is poor and the cultural taboos associated have had impacts on school attendance. In the South-Kivu, only 27% of the population has access to clean water, with a lower rate in rural areas. The project targets rural areas where there is little to no service provision - lack or extreme degradation of roads has hindered accessibility to humanitarian assistance. The targeted communities have seen their infrastructure destroyed by war and now are welcoming returnees and the need for clean water, irrigation systems, and hygiene in schools is evident. The project proposes WASH activities to enhance the resilience in the IDJWI and WALUNGU territories by increasing access to drinkable water for 25500 persons (12240 men and 13260 women) , to good sanitation for 1200 persons (576 men and 624 women) and to increased knowledge in durable WASH resources management. This project is part of the MATCHING FUND 4th round wide programme funded by DFID. It will be implemented by CARITAS for 3 years with a budget estimated to 470000 USD.

Location