Commissioning of the drinking water supply system in the municipal seat of Ejeda

Madagascar ranks 161st out of 189 countries in terms of the Human Development Index (HDI). Access to safe drinking water and sanitation remains critical, with coverage rates of 24% and 30%, respectively—among the lowest in the world. The rural commune of Ejeda in the Atsimo-Andrefana region is no exception to these challenges. In 2015, the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Program (PAEAR), funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), was intended to address this situation in the commune. In early 2018, less than two years after the construction of a drinking water supply system and the launch of service, the contractor responsible for management withdrew; the network was abandoned and has remained unusable to this day.

The first phase of the project, launched in 2022, restored water service to part of the network through the drilling of a new well, the rehabilitation of the existing water tower and part of the distribution network, and the construction of public water fountains. Detailed technical studies were conducted to assess the needs for the second phase of the project, ensure sustainable management of the service, and improve the sanitation situation. Municipal authorities have identified a contractor to manage the future drinking water supply system and public sanitation infrastructure, recognizing that the prolonged suspension of service has hindered the municipality’s economic and social development.