In the North-West of Madagascar, to date many people die in their first decade of life from completely preventable diseases. Open-Defecation is still a widespread practice (100%) and it makes water highly contaminated. Improved Drinking Water access is not guaranteed and most of people rely on surface contaminated water ponds (PHOTO1) where both human being and cattle drink. Lack of clean water poses multi-dimensional challenges for local communities: water-borne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid; waste of time spent to collect water for the ones in charge, usually women and children with a bunch of social and economic consequences.
Through this project, H4O addresses the social, economic and environmental challenges by providing all Nosy Mitsio villages with 24/7 clean water. The project helps each community to set and train Community Management Committees (CMCs) in charge of the entire management (and maintenance) of the Water Supplies. Ultimately, our project is contributing to increased women and girls’ empowerment reducing the time spent to collect water and by (providing them different activities through other H4O projects) making it available for other profitable, domestic or leisure activities.