Water and Sanitation in DRC - Oxfam Quebec 2011

31 December 2010 - In north and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) clashes between armed forces rebel groups and various militias continue to wreak severe harm on civilians who are routinely caught in the frontlines of confrontations. The result is extensive humanitarian needs and limited to nonexistent prospects for recovery and development. North Kivu South Kivu and Orientale Province continue to be plagued by serious human rights violations food insecurity high mortality and morbidity rates horrific sexual violence and considerable and ongoing displacement of population groups. Continued population displacements are straining hosting communities themselves having limited resources and lacking the most basic services including health and medical care and safe water infrastructure. With CIDA support Oxfam Quebec is helping to improve access to safe water and sanitation services for conflict-affected populations in Kabare Territory in the province of South Kivu. Activities focus on rehabilitating water sources; providing basic latrines bathing areas and sanitary disposal for health waste in local health facilities; setting-up and training water management committees; and conducting education and training on healthy hygiene practices particularly hand washing latrine usage and clean drinking water.