WSUP Mozambique, in partnership with the Maputo Municipality and Arquitetos sem Fronteira (ASF), has successfully completed a project to improve sanitation in Chamanculo C, one of Maputo City’s most densely populated informal settlements.
The project, funded by an anonymous donor, involved the construction of 11 new shared toilets, replacing outdated and flood-prone facilities. Before this project, the existing toilet facilities were in disrepair and frequently flooded during heavy rains, posing health risks to the community. These new toilets will significantly benefit 20 families in the community, providing access to clean, safe, and resilient sanitation. Additionally, the project included the widening of roads in the informal settlement to enhance accessibility and improve living conditions for residents.
Fátima Mussá, Acting WSUP Country Manager for Mozambique, emphasised the importance of these improvements: “Access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities is a basic human right. By rehabilitating and constructing these WASH blocks, we are improving the community’s health and well-being and restoring dignity to the residents of Chamanculo C. This project is a testament to the positive impact collaboration between local authorities, international partners, and communities can have on transforming lives.”
The initiative also included widening the roads in this informal settlement, greatly enhancing accessibility and safety for the residents. Patrício Dias, a 77-year-old resident of Chamanculo A, expressed his gratitude for the project: “Before the streets were opened, our neighbourhood was unhealthy and unsafe. The narrow streets were prone to flooding, and robberies were common. The new roads and toilets have transformed our lives. I feel safer, and the new bathroom has brought me immense happiness. It’s safe, comfortable, and has running water. This project has truly improved our quality of life.”
Over the past decade, WSUP Mozambique has made significant strides in enhancing urban WASH services, impacting the lives of over 2.5 million urban residents. The organisation’s achievements include:
- Improved water supply: Providing Access to improved water supply for 1,588,806 individuals, ensuring Access to safe and reliable drinking water.
- Sanitation enhancements: Support sanitation improvements for 200,082 people, promote proper sanitation practices, and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
- Hygiene education: Educating 751,367 individuals on hygiene practices, fostering behaviour change and promoting better health outcomes.