Water and Sanitation in the DRC - Oxfam-Québec 2010

The humanitarian and security situations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remain a cause for concern. North Kivu South Kivu and Orientale Province are plagued by serious human rights violations food insecurity high mortality and morbidity rates horrific sexual violence and considerable and continuing displacement of population groups which leads to medical sanitary and nutritional problems. While a large number of displaced have returned home with a return to stability in some areas the forcibly displaced people are still estimated at over two million and live alongside vulnerable hosting communities. The objective of the project is to reduce mortality and morbidity due to water-borne diseases and improve water access and sanitation for conflict-affected populations in Mulamba in the province of South Kivu eastern DRC. The project focuses on improving access to clean water sanitation and hygiene services. Selected examples of activities include: installing water sources and ensuring their compliance with World Health Organisation standards; providing basic latrines bathing areas and hygiene kits; setting-up and training water management committees; conducting education and training on appropriate health hygiene practices particularly hand washing latrine usage and clean drinking water; and involving communities in the development management operations and maintenance of water supply and sanitation facilities.