The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) has announced that it will provide more than 2 million euros, equivalent to 143.9 million meticais, for a project to improve rural sanitation in Sofala province, central Mozambique..

Launched this Tuesday (29) in the city of Beira, the Sofala Sanitation Project (SOFSAN), a joint initiative between the Sofala Provincial Executive Council and the ComuSanas organization, aims to combat water-borne diseases and improve the living conditions of communities, with emphasis on eliminating open-air faecalism and increasing basic sanitation coverage in rural areas.

According to a Txopela newspaperThe SOFSAN project, which will directly benefit around 14,000 people, is a contribution to the materialization of the National Rural Sanitation Strategy (2021-2030), which envisages achieving universal access to sanitation services by the end of this decade, through the promotion of Open-Faecal Free Communities (LIFECA).

"SOFSAN envisages adopting participatory approaches, focusing on health education, training community technicians and building resilient health infrastructures. ComuSanas, the entity responsible for implementation, intends to guarantee the sustainability of the project through the direct involvement of the target communities and local authorities", reads the publication of the project. Txopela newspaper.

The launch ceremony was led by the director of the Sofala Governor's Office, Ana Chirinda, representing Lourenço Bulha, the provincial governor. The event was also attended by Lisa Laitenbauer, representative of the ADA, Gaspar Sitefane, National Director of WaterAid, representatives of ComuSanas and UNICEF, among other guests.

Sofala province has historically been affected by cyclical outbreaks of diarrheal diseases, aggravated by extreme climatic phenomena. The commitment to safe sanitation solutions is seen by the authorities as a structural response to the public health crisis affecting several communities.

(Photo DR)