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Water is Flowing in 19 de Outubro Village!

Water1st is working with Grupo de Saniemento de Bilibiza (GSB) to lead the implementation of high-quality water, toilet, and hygiene-education projects for the people of northern Mozambique. In 2017, we initiated a pilot project with GSB in the rural community of 19 de Outubro.

Thanks to your generous support, Water1st’s Mozambique partner, GSB, completed the 19 de Outubro project before the end of the year. A small group of supporters provided the funds needed to finish the water system and build household toilets for the 45 homes with water service on their property. Once the community demonstrates the ability to operate and manage the system successfully on its own, the goal will be to provide all community members with household connections.

Before and After Video

Water flows! The water system serving 19 de Outubro is now completed. Community members are seeing water flowing from taps, many of them for the first time in their lives. This water system will provide access to clean water at the turn of a faucet. For many families, the faucet is located at their house. Household taps translate to better health and economic outcomes.

Accomplishments

Grupo de Saneamento de Bilibiza (GSB) has constructed the first community piped water network in the region. Groundwater is pumped to a central storage tank and piped to 45 households and five community taps. This system will provide year-round easy access to clean water for a community that has been using contaminated pond water for generations. GSB has also developed a bathroom design that provides an odorless, flush toilet, a hand washing basin and a place to bathe. During our October monitoring trip, residents described it as a ’real bathroom.”
Until just a few weeks ago, water collection in 19 de Outubro was a grueling and time-consuming experience. Residents hand-dug deep holes in a desperate search for water.

A Pioneering Effort

The 19 de Outubro project is the first piped water system in the entire region. For many people, this is the first time they have seen water flowing out of a tap. GSB has worked hard to apply its skills to a whole new set of implementation techniques and processes. Having successfully negotiated all the challenges this project presented, they are ready to apply lessons learned to a new project in 2018. This initial project helped GSB determine what materials to purchase, how to select a well driller, and what project elements require assistance from an outside consultant. Because Water1st funds its partners year after year, GSB will be able to apply what they have learned right away to a new water project in a similar community. Soon they will be proficient at building these systems and implementing multiple projects each year!
GSB has worked hard to apply its skills to a whole new set of implementation techniques and processes. Water1st staff have been able to support GSB with suggestions for water system and bathroom design.

A Pioneering Effort

As of December 1, 2017, the 19 de Outubro project provides water to the community of 1,600 people. The additional funds allowed GSB to pay for the larger pump, the connection to the power grid, additional pipe to extend to the new well site, and various valves and braces Water1st technical staff recommended they add to the water system. Funds were also used to purchase materials for the new bathrooms that will be constructed at 45 households. Water1st staff saw several model versions of those bathrooms during the October 2017 visit. Our staff was very happy with the design and made a few suggestions that GSB will incorporate into the final production of the remaining units. Bathroom construction will take place in January and February. The funding will also be applied to the acquisition of a work vehicle that is needed to get construction staff and materials to the field in a timely and reliable fashion. They are currently using public transportation and hired transportation options that are slow and/or very expensive.
GSB has developed a terrific bathroom design that provides an odorless, flush toilet, a handwashing basin and a place to bathe.

A Pioneering Effort

GSB will work with the community throughout the month of December to develop the water committee’s skills in operating and maintaining the new water system. They will also help households familiarize themselves with the new bathrooms to be sure they are used properly. In early 2018, GSB will send its monitoring observations to Water1st and submit a proposal for the next project. With the experience and skills gained in implementing the first project, they will be well equipped to assist a new community in need. Ultimately, we hope to assist every community in the Quissanga District with a water and sanitation system.
GSB is now working to provide training to the water committee in operating and maintaining the new water system.

Thank you for making this project happen. What you are supporting is rare. You are changing people’s lives permanently in Mozambique.

Learn more about our Mozambique program.

We feel very fortunate that so many of our supporters are able to travel with us to learn more about our work and to meet the hard working people in our project communities. Our partner organizations and our project beneficiaries feel respected by your visits and that makes us extremely proud. If you’re interested in traveling, please contact us.

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