Training in Basic Sanitation in the Altiplano of LA Paz

Water-borne diseases are a principal cause of lost production and even death in many parts of the world, Bolivia included. The Training in Basic Sanitation in the Altiplano of La Paz project works directly with families, school children and municipal authorities to educate on basic sanitation and on the maintenance of water facilities. The project is cofinanced by CRS and Plan International Altiplano, and is implemented locally by Caritas El Alto. It is based on the Integral Community, School and Municipal Development methodology developed by CRS Bolivia and partners over the last several years. The overall project objective is to contribute to the reduction of incidence of diarrhea among children in the project's target communities.

CRS Bolivia's country manager signs an agreement to donate a computer to the Pucarani water and sanitation committee.

Specific objectives include:

• Strengthening sommunities through training and participation in the decision-making processes for community activities.
• Improved sanitation in homes, schools and communities improves.
• Improved community capacity through integral development and community participation.

Each participating municipality forms a Potable Water and Sanitation Committee to maintain the water systems within the municipality. Among other responsibilities, the Potable Water and Sanitation Committee collects a monthly fee for water use per family. These fees are used to cover maintenance expenses. One participating municipality, Pucarani, was able to purchase a computer to control Potable Water and Sanitation Committee expenses. CRS Bolivia also donated a computer to the Pucarani Potable Water and Sanitation Committee to assist the treasurer and secretary in tracking fees and committee activities.