Annual WASH Systems Award: Hamzari/Niger

CARE's WASH Systems Award is given annually on World Water Day to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of CARE teams who are doing exemplary work in strengthening WASH systems. This year, the Water+ team interviewed Moussa Abdourahaman, the WASH Manager for Hamzari to get his insights as to how Hamzari has influenced government, community, and market approaches to WASH access and water security, Moussa leads a team of three WASH specialists, four WASH supervisors and 15 field agents and is supported by the WaterAid Niger team and their Country Director, Oumarou Hamani. The BHA/USAID-funded Hamzari project seeks to reduce vulnerability and improve adaptive capacities in three communes of the Maradi region. As part of an integrated approach to tackle challenges, the Hamzari WASH team uses a systems strengthening approach to increase access to sustainable and quality WASH services and protect and conserve water resources. This includes increasing the capacity of commune governments, activating private sector investment, and using an integrated water resource management approach. The WASH component is led by WaterAid and DEMI-E in partnership with CARE’s Water+ Team and serves as an example of a successful collaboration and partnership model that extends to other countries like Malawi and Madagascar. To read more about Hamzari, please visit Care.org.