Dominican Republic : consultations on health sector loan II; report of a field trip, 1/26-1/30/80

Special evaluation covers the period 11/78-12/80 is based on a review of project documents and interviews with national and local health officials. The three project villages visited were found to have drilled wells and hand pumps installed. Palmarejo had 11 wells with hand pumps; those inspected were well constructed and maintained. One was reportedly not used due to the water"s high silt content. Although the sanitation component has not yet begun, the State Public Health and Social Assistance (SESPAS) was stockpiling equipment for pit latrines. In Los Tramojos, poor drainage and large muddy areas around the pumps were blamed on a design change in the hand pump base by the contractor. Most houses had new latrines provided by SESPAS, but built according to design specifications from the project. In Las Yayitas, a SESPAS crew installing a hand pump complained of insufficient supplies and tools. An already installed hand pump lacked grease on moving parts and had a water leak; the water at another pump was silty and reportedly not used by the community for drinking purposes. All of the above technical problems were not unexpected and were routinely dealt with by the water and sanitation program, UAPODAN. The health education component, not yet begun, will require three levels of training, for the cadre of Promoter Supervisors and personnel immediately above and below them. It is recommended that two experienced advisors be sent to assist in designing evaluation plans for periodic program monitoring and for a comprehensive impact assessment. A 2-month pilot program should test the suitability and use of various household water containers. A similar program should assess any flush toilet model provided by the two interested ceramic firms; detailed specifications for the Colombian pour-flush latrine and a model of the unit should be provided to USAID/DR. One individual experienced in non-formal health education training for water and sanitation programs should be sent to develop training materials.