Muzarabani has a population of 111,000, most of which are peasant farmers. The area receives very low rainfall and rivers are seasonal because of salinisation and sandy soil. The consumption of unsafe water has affected the health of the community through the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Women are forced to spend many hours a day fetching safe drinking water from distant sources.

The project addresses the need for a secure and accessible water supply through the installation of water tanks. The local people, especially women, are trained in tank construction and build the tanks themselves. Brick making moulds have been purchased to enable each community to make their own bricks as well as a range of other equipment, such as wheel barrows, shovels and hand tools. The tanks are managed and maintained by each household, and training in water management is provided. There is also leadership training and training in disaster management for times of flood.

Downloadable Resources:

Project Sheet