Case Study: Macurungo community
Initial research was carried out in several communities within Beira to assess the primary needs. The result showed that a large number of people had limited or no access to a reliable source of drinking water. As a result a pilot project was developed to help one church install a running water source in their community.
The scheme was piloted in Macurungo, in the city of Beira. Macurungo is divided into several smaller communities which are home to between 40-80 families, or up to 500 people. Within these communities there is a high incidence of easily preventable illnesses such as diarrhoea and cholera because of a lack of adequate hygiene and a lack of clean water.
The project objectives are to improve the community of Macurungo through:
- Providing a water source accessible to all the community
- Improving levels of health, sanitation and hygiene
- Reducing the incidence of water-related diseases
Oasis Mozambique worked with the Good Samaritan Church to meet these objectives. The majority of funds were provided by Ascension Church in the US, and the Good Samaritan Church was able to provide resources to ensure they took ownership of the project.
Construction work to build the tap began in March 2006, after the necessary documentation had been obtained. On September 1st the community tap was officially opened by the President of the Município, (the Mayor of Beira). This was followed by a celebration to thank everybody who had been involved in the process and had helped make the community tap a reality!
A sustainable future
The project is continuing to run well and The Good Samaritan Church is managing the tap, ensuring that families who use the water are contributing monthly to the costs. Approximately 50 families in the community of Macurungo are accessing the water point, providing clean, safe water to about 400 people, making a significant difference in terms of health and hygiene.
As the project continues it will be monitored and evaluated and we will learn from this project so it can be replicated in other areas of the city, so further communities will be able to benefit from accessing clean water.
“I have never heard of a church doing something like this, but we are so thankful for the Good Samaritan church. Before it was difficult for us to get water, now it is so much easier.”
Community member, Macurungo
“This is the first time a church has done anything like this, it is a good example for others. Take care of this tap and make sure you manage it well.”
Mayor of Beira speaking to community
“We are so thankful to all who have helped this tap become a reality. We thank the church in America, the local council and Oasis for all their help.”
Jorge Bongeçe, Pastor of the Good Samaritan Church, Macurungo