Organization: Asociatia Culturala de Tineret Ormax – Cultural Youth Association Ormax

The Republic of Moldova is one the poorest countries in Europe and 70% of its poorest people live in rural areas in widely dispersed small communities. In 2005 and 2006 only 4% of rural people had a sewerage connection and just 15% were connected to a drinkable water source, compared to nearly 80% of the urban population. Only 55% had access to even basic sanitation (pit latrine with a lid).

Untreated sewage inevitably infected the waterways, and diseases associated with poor quality water, such as gastrointestinal diseases, were common. The Moldovan National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) calculated that polluted drinking water led to between 950 and 1,850 premature deaths and between 2 and 4 million ‘illness days’ per year. They assessed the cost of this to the economy as between 5 and 10% of GDP.

The Safe Water and Sanitation for all in the Republic of Moldova initiative was initiated by Ormax. This involved maintaining clean water sources to improve human health, help maintain environmental integrity of aquatic ecosystems, and thus contribute to protecting biological diversity.

To raise awareness of rural citizens of the Republic of Moldova about their fundamental right to clean water and sustainable sanitation. To build capacity in Moldovan communities to develop strategies for safe water and sustainable sanitation management. Also, to advocate in front of local, national and international decision makers to facilitate for rural citizens to receive an effective access to affordable and safe water and sustainable sanitation.

Technologies and Techniques Implemented: Public participation at all levels through: educational activities (workshops, trainings); testing and mapping wells, identifying the sources of pollution, cleaning activities, demonstrating solutions for effective and affordable water protection in rural areas. Also, involving the appropriate authorities to secure future success.

Keywords: access to water, empowering communities, participation, sanitation.

Location: Moldova, Europe

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