The government of Mozambique's central Manica province marked a significant milestone by recently inaugurating two drinking water supply systems. These systems have the capacity to meet the needs of more than four thousand inhabitants in the town of Muda-Serração, in the district of Gondola.
The importance of these systems is notable, as for the first time, local residents have access to clean drinking water directly in their communities. Before these systems were installed, they faced significant challenges, having to travel long distances to the nearest river or relying on alternative sources such as wells for water.
The two systems were built in the main town of Muda Serração and consist of two towers with elevated tanks, each with the capacity to store 30 cubic meters of water. They are equipped with submersible pumps powered by solar panels, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of drinking water. In addition, the infrastructure includes system protection and operation houses, community standpipes, laundries and public taps. There are also drinking fountains that can serve up to 350 heads of cattle, benefiting the local farming community.
The construction process of these systems began in March 2022 and was completed in July of the same year, thanks to an investment of 11 million meticais. This funding was provided by the United Nations Children's Support Organization (UNICEF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The governor of the province of Manica, Francisca Tomás, had the honor of inaugurating these projects and emphasized the importance of this project for the local community. She highlighted that initially, the system will benefit around 2,500 residents of Muda-Serração and another 1,500 inhabitants of the village of Mucórue. However, there is a future plan to expand the system and serve an even larger portion of the population, especially in neighboring regions that also lack access to drinking water.
Governor Tomás emphasized the need for this project, noting that local residents faced difficulties and risks when obtaining water from rivers and other untreated sources. She emphasized that the water supply system will ensure that the population has access to treated water, improving the quality of life and health of the community.
She assured the population that the government will continue working to improve living conditions, with plans underway to provide drinking water to other areas of Manica province, including the districts of Mossurize, Tambara, Machaze, Vanduzi, Manica and Sussundenga.
Francisca Tomás also appealed to the community to conserve these water sources and other public infrastructure, to ensure that they last for a long time. She recalled that these infrastructures belong to the local population and, therefore, it is everyone's responsibility to protect them against any form of vandalism.
This inauguration represents an important step in improving living and health conditions for residents of Muda-Serração and surrounding areas in Manica, and is an example of the positive impact that partnerships between the government and international organizations can have on communities in desperate need of access to drinking water.
