Angola Libolo

Project Summary

A total of nine springs and 93 latrines were constructed in eight villages through this project.To decrease morbidity and mortality due to water-borne diseases through the provision of potable water from protected springs and the construction of latrines for 13,507 beneficiaries in Libolo Municipality. These activities were to be reinforced by community-based water and sanitation education.

This water project was implemented in Libolo Municipality in Kwanza Sul Province at the request of the local Angolan government authorities.

Angola struggled under three decades of civil war which ended with the signing of the Luena Peace Accords on April 4, 2002. Unfortunately, the reconstruction of water infrastructure has been slow in the rural areas of Angola including Libolo Municipality where most of it was destroyed during the war. Failure to bridge this critical short-fall, is sadly rolling back progress in post-war rehabilitation efforts.

Seven springs were subsequently successfully rehabilitated. Community villagers witnessed the significant positive impact of the project and subsequently rehabilitated an additional two springs on their own initiative. We consider this development to be a noteworthy success as it reveals high levels of community participation and commitment which will undoubtedly increase long term sustainability. Led by the sobas (local chiefs), community participation also included the cleaning of paths to the springs, the gathering of stones and the provision of food and manual labor in support of the masons. In order to formalize and strengthen long lasting community involvement, seven water development committees were established and will continue to train their communities on water and sanitation hygiene.