Water Supply

Only four Fokontany of the commune have any infrastructure for water supply; Morarano and Vohisaoka. However, the area is very arid, mountainous and rocky, and freshwater springs are few; many communities are forced to fetch water from rivers or to walk significant distances to fetch water.

Work Completed To Date

Ny Tanintsika (FBM.NT) have worked in the commune of Vohitsaoka since 2005, principally in the field of health promotion and education. Activities have included the promotion of hygiene and sanitation, including the training of local teachers and 25 community health educators particulary in small but important feasible actions, the training of local builders in the hygienic and low-cost 'sanplat' model of latrine, and material support to the construction of latrines.

Community Contributions

The target communities are responsible for paying 125,000 Ariary (used for the purchase of gravel, sand and bricks) as well as for providing the water required during the work. This is to build a sense of responsibility and ownership of the infrastructure. The project will purchase all other materials. The creation of a Water Users Association, before work even starts, ensures that the community is fully aware of their responsibilities regarding upkeep and maintenance of the infrastructure.

Each adult will pay an annual fee for the water, in order to ensure that there are sufficient funds available for repairs and upkeep.

At least one local person per Fokontany will be trained so as to become a local technician responsible for the maintenance of the infrastructure in the future. The local authorities and leaders are fully implicated in the project, particulary in ensuring that the communities fulfill their obligations, and in monitoring of work.