International Development Grant

Community Water Sanitation and Health

Project Number: CA-3-A020397001

Status: Closed

Country/Region:

Malawi 100.00%

Maximum Contribution: $12,696,883.00

Start Date: October 01, 1999

End Date: December 15, 2008

Duration: 9.2 years

Project Description

This project aims to strengthen national district and community capacity to implement sustainable water sanitation and health programs focused in two very poor southern districts namely Thyolo and Phalombe. The project comprises four main components: water and sanitation services delivery a water resources assessment study operational research and capacity development at the community district and national levels.

Progress & Results Achieved

Results achieved as of the end of project activities include: (1) the rehabilitation of nine gravity-fed water systems in the rural districts of Thyolo and Phalombe and the construction of more than 2 000 water points reaching a rural population of over 250 000; (2) support for community-level capacity building on the managerial and technical aspects of the new water systems with more than 16 000 individuals (almost 50% women) trained; and (3) technical support to the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development (MoIWD) to develop the Malawi Sanitation Policy (2006). These have contributed to: improved access to water in two districts and a reduction in water-related diseases (diarrhoea cholera etc.) the adoption of a community-based management approach to managing water schemes the creation of community capacity and ownership and increased technical capacity in MoIWD.

Key Information

Executing Agency:
Cowater International Inc.

Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada

Program:
WGM Africa

Last Modified:
September 19, 2025

Development Classifications

DAC Sector:

Water sector policy and administrative management 10%
Water resources conservation (including data collection) 30%
Basic drinking water supply 25%
Basic sanitation 25%
Democratic participation and civil society 10%

Aid Type: Project-type interventions

Collaboration: Bilateral

Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation

Selection Mechanism:
Pre-APP

Policy Markers
Level 1 Gender equality
Level 1 Participatory development and good governance
Major Funding (>$1M)
Budget Breakdown
2000-04-01 to 2001-03-31 $12,696,883 CAD
Geographic Information
687
Project Number: CA-3-A020397001