O Abastecimento de água potável à população do posto administrativo de Chicomo distrito de Massinga pelo projecto de desenvolvimento rural da Oxfam Austrália, 1995-2000

Abstract

This paper is entitled The Supply of Drinking Water to the Population of Chicomo Administrative Post (Massinga District) by Oxfam Australia's Rural Development Project between 1995 and 2000. The objective of this research is to contribute to the improvement of the implementation of water supply projects in the arid rural areas of the country. The preparation of this paper was based on literature research, which was complemented by structured interviews. The bibliographical research was done in different libraries, institutions and in the internet to obtain information about water supply in Mozambique and Chicomo. Interviews were conducted with two key persons: a rural water supply specialist and the country director of Oxfàm Australia. The results of the research show that there has been an increase in the amount of water for the population of Chicomo Administrative Post as a result of the implementation of Oxfam Australia's Rural Development Project between 1995 and 2000. There was an increase in the number of operational water sources (boreholes and cisterns). Twenty-seven boreholes equipped with three types of hand pumps were constructed and rehabilitated according to the depth of the aquifers: Afridev, National and Volanta; and 57 family and community cisterns. The boreholes have benefited about 14,000 people and the cisterns have benefited about 1,462 people. The implementation of Oxfam Australia's Rural Development Project addressed the priority need of about 96% of the population in Chicomo Administrative Post. The increase in the number of boreholes and cisterns was very significant for the population as the time spent collecting water was reduced and the amount of water collected per day increased. Women now have more time to perform other productive and reproductive activities. (TRADUÇAO NOSSA)