Cooperative Agreement AID-526-A-14-00002: Gestión Comunitaria del Agua

The program's main objectives were to strengthen the Federación Paraguaya de Asociaciones de Juntas de Saneamiento (FEPAJUS), consolidate the efficient management model in water and sanitation boards, and generate awareness about the importance of safe water and community management. The program's activities during the third quarter of 2015 focused on fortifying FEPAJUS, consolidating the efficient management model, and generating awareness about safe water and community management. Key activities included the formation of formators, installation of a center for supply, and a visit to successful experiences in Latin America. Fortifying FEPAJUS involved strengthening its economic independence, capacity to provide global assistance, and capacity to represent its associates. The program established a business model for the center of supply, which would centralize the needs of associations and water and sanitation boards and act as an intermediary with providers to obtain better prices for inputs and products. The program also focused on consolidating the efficient management model in water and sanitation boards, which involved the creation and strengthening of associations of water and sanitation boards. The program established a center for formation of organizations, which would provide training and capacity-building for water and sanitation boards. The program's activities during the third quarter of 2015 also included a visit to the Desert Research Institute in the United States, which supports and promotes the "Circuit Riders" program. The "Circuit Riders" are highly qualified technicians who provide technical support to associations and committees responsible for water and sanitation systems in rural communities. The program's activities during the third quarter of 2015 also included the formation of formators, who would provide training and capacity-building for water and sanitation boards. The program established a business model for the center of supply, which would centralize the needs of associations and water and sanitation boards and act as an intermediary with providers to obtain better prices for inputs and products. The program's activities during the third quarter of 2015 also included a visit to successful experiences in Latin America, which would provide valuable lessons and best practices for the program. The program's activities during the third quarter of 2015 were a significant step towards achieving its objectives and improving access to safe water in Paraguay.