Project assistance completion report : CARE OPG

Final evaluation, conducted by CARE, the grantee, covers the period 3/79-12/82 and is based in part on village surveys. Despite the fact that the project took place during a time of political upheaval and economic difficulties, and despite poor relations between CARE and its Bolivian counterpart, the Regional Development Corporation of La Paz (CORDEPAZ), all 39 potable water systems were completed; targets for latrine construction (80 per water system) were not met for a variety of reasons. Problems between CARE and CORDEPAZ began to develop in 1981 when the latter failed to provide financial suppport for transport and administration; by early 1982, CORDEPAZ had effectively withdrawn from the project. As a result, CARE unilaterally built 17 of the water systems and CARE and the communities themselves covered the financial shortfall caused by CORDEPAZ"s withdrawal. Some 13,500 rural villagers have benefited from improved public health conditions and access to safe water (the projected figure of 19,500 beneficiaries was based on overestimation of village populations). Three 21-day training courses, each attended by 2 persons from each village, covered water system maintenance and administration, public health and sanitation, community organization, and cooperativism; the courses generated a great deal of enthusiasm among community members. Although - due to a lack of baseline studies - it is impossible to accurately measure the project"s health impacts, sample surveys in 6 villages indicate improved general sanitation as well as child mortality rates (ages 0-4) well below national norms. Latrines are generally ignored due to contrary cultural practices. Reduced fetching clearly benefits women and children, and eliminating the need to store water in the home inhibits the spread of water-borne diseases. Moreover, the project has led to increased awareness among villagers of their capabilities to manage similar projects; several communities have already expanded their systems. Future CARE projects in the region will focus on strengthening training, reevaluating sanitary disposal methods, and finding a reliable and energetic counterpart agency.