CENTRAL TUNISIA RURAL DEVELOPMENT RURAL POTABLE WATER

Project is a subproject of the Central Tunisia Rural Development Project. Three types of water systems will be developed: capped springs; dug wells equipped with motor pumps and storage tanks; and small bore drilled wells equipped with hand or motor pumps and storage tanks. The latter intervention is a major technical innovation in the project area. A total of 160 new water points, benefitting 57,600 inhabitants, will be constructed. The Central Tunisia Development Authority (CTDA) will be responsible for procuring a drilling rig and technical services and for selecting, siting, and monitoring the interventions. In selecting interventions CTDA will employ the criteria set forth in its potable water policy (established with University of Wisconsin assistance), as follows: (1) that beneficiaries live within a 4 km radius from the proposed site and more than 4 kms away from an existing water point; (2) the new system provides a minimum of 20 liters per capita per day year-round; (3) water salinity does not exceed three grams per liter, bacteriological quality meets standards, and water is of acceptable turbidity, taste, and odor; (4) drainage is adequate; (5) cost per beneficiary does not exceed $125 per person, $25 per head of large livestock, and $2.50 per head of small livestock; and (6) well site location maximizes access and facilitates community participation in maintenance. Interventions will be designed to provide water that is potable and to protect the site from surface contamination. In addition, linkage will be developed with AID"s Rural Community Health (664-0296) and Rural Hygiene (664-0312.14) projects. By reimbursing costs of potable water interventions that meet CTDA criteria (as well as those of USAID, e.g., in regard to maintenance), the project will provide an incentive to CTDA to enforce its water policy objectively and so will lead to an institutionalization of this policy within GOT.