AID grant agreement no. 656-0217-G-SS-3011-00 to Medical Care Development (MCD) in support of a rural water and sanitation program in Cuamba District, Niassa Province

(MCD), to develop an integrated, community-based program of well-digging/rehabilitation, latrine construction, and sanitation education in Cuamba District of Niassa Province in Mozambique. This will be a pilot program, which will provide a model and data base for future activities. Some 25-50 communities with a combined population of 50,000 will participate. MCD will work with villagers to establish 100 shallow wells (60 newly hand dug and 40 rehabilitated), fitted with VLOM (AFRIDEV) handpumps, and able to provide at least 30 liters of potable water per person per day. A village water committee will be established for each well and trained in water supply management, sanitation, community mobilization, health education, and the use and maintenance of pumps and wells. Pit latrines will be built in villages, schools, social centers, and health centers, with teachers and health workers trained to teach users about hygiene and maintenance; the latrines will provide coverage for 75% of the target area. In addition, health/sanitation education materials well be developed, extension workers will be trained, and water testing facilities will be established in Niassa Province. MCD will coordinate implementation with Agua Rural provincial extensionists and will receive logistical and technical support from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and possibly, Medecins Sans Frontiers. PRONAR/UNICEF will assist with technical specifications for well equipment.