Enhancing Sustainable Access to Safe Clean Water and Gender Sensitive Sanitation Services in Epworth

The main objective of the project was to secure and sustain increased access to water and sanitation services in Epworth in order to reduce poverty and sustain the livelihoods of these poor communities. One of the key activities of the project was responsive capacity building of pump minders and representatives of CBOs in community based water management approaches. Sixty local pump minders, community workers and health workers were trained on key monitoring indicators. Awareness training of ward facilitators was also conducted on improved sanitation technology for Epworth. 30 households were selected and their latrines were rehabilitated with the Easi-Flush system which was introduced by Santinton Contractors, a private player. A team of 30 community workers were trained as builders for the rehabilitation of the latrines to ensure continuity and easy problem solving once kits were in use. Pilot water purification kits were also procured for pre-testing and user assessment feedback targeting selected households for the sanitation rehabilitation who have now been finalized. It was agreed that there is need for scaling-up of this project to other areas to ensure gender sensitive sanitation services are introduced across all urban and peri-urban areas in Harare.