RURAL POTABLE WATER OPG

CARE and the Ministry of Health will be the primary implementing agencies. This project will complement the construction of rural health posts already initiated by the MOH with an International Development Bank (IDB) loan. First priority will be given to rural communities that do not have an existing water system, yet are scheduled for health posts under the IDB loan. These include Sula, Jaluvi, Multitud, and possibly Puebla, Totoras and Cani, areas which have a combined population of approximately 3,000 people. Second priority will be given to rural communities scheduled for health posts whose water systems only need improvement; these include La Moya, Sucanal, La Isla, Punin, Cebadas, Palmira, Joyagshi, Ilapo and El Troje, Pulucate, Sevilla and San Isidro. Those communities scheduled for health centers or subcenters, Chambo, Columbe, San Juan, and San Andres, will not considered further by CARE. Within the priority areas, potable water systems and latrines will be constructed. Thirty A.I.D. hand pumps and an undetermined amount of robodevices (newly developed valves, meters and well screens made of polyvinyl chloride, designed especially for manufacture and use in LDC"s) will be tested and installed. CARE will also develop and work with community groups to encourage their participation in the construction, management, and maintenace of water systems. A comprehensive sanitary education program will be offered to 3,000 people concerning the benefits of potable water. This project will be used as a "health package" demonstration to be replicated in similar efforts elsewhere.