The Halcrow Foundation is funding a project by Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) that will increase access to safe water and sanitation and improve hygiene practices in Antananarivo.
Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 80 per cent of the population living in poverty and 47 per cent without access to safe water. The number of people in urban areas is growing at around twice the rate of the rest of the world. Faced with such a massive population growth, it’s very difficult for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) service providers to maintain their current coverage, let alone improve services.
Insufficient water and sanitation facilities, together with poor hygiene practices, means that diarrheal disease is one of the largest causes of illness and death in Madagascar, particularly for young children. Disease caused by unsafe water also results in less time spent at school and work, which increases poverty and restricts social growth.
Supporting gender equality
Halcrow Foundation is supporting a project by Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) that aims to increase access to safe water and sanitation, and improve hygiene practices in the city. This will improve the population’s health, education and livelihoods, as well as support gender equality and reduce poverty.
The project involves building water and laundry facilities in Antananarivo, as well as delivering educational campaigns to improve hygiene behaviour and developing the technical, business and operational capacity of urban WASH providers. Halcrow Foundation funds will support women operating the newly-built laundry blocks and water kiosks, and those setting up their own small businesses by giving financial, managerial and technical training. The laundry blocks will also help those who already provide an informal laundry service for their neighbours to structure, expand and improve the quality of their business.
Economic gain and empowerment
Easier access to potable water will also have a profound effect on women and girls who bear the biggest responsibility for household water supply, and spend a significant amount of time locating and collecting water. This represents a major barrier to economic gain and empowerment as it reduces time available for income-generating activities and school attendance.
The project also enables women’s participation and leadership in utilities, associations and community committees. This involvement in the everyday decision making of water management will strengthen their position in the community and contribute to well-being, empowerment and improved self-confidence.
Photo credits: WSUP
