Key elements

• Integrated water resources management in the basin of the river “Les Moustiques” (near Port de Paix) in cooperation with the different water users.
• Protective measures to secure water reserves.
• Construction of subsurface water dams for a larger water retention in the soil.
• Improved agricultural production thanks to rehabilitation of irrigation systems and drainage channels. 
• Extension of drinking water systems.

Partners

The departmental public services (the office of the ministry of Agriculture, of the ministry of Plan).
The stream basin committee.
The association of irrigating farmers (AIRM).
City councils and CASEC’s (local district committees).
The drinking water committees.

Target group

• The population living and working in the basin of the river “Les Moustiques”. The population is estimated at 35.000 people. A large part of the population (+/- 23.500 people) will indirectly benefit from the action.
• 5.500 people wil have access to drinking water and sanitation.
• 900 families will increase their production with on average 20% thanks to irrigation, drainage and improved irrigation techniques.

Objective

To offer a sustainable solution to the basic water needs to the population in the stream basin “Les Moustiques”, and this in conformity with a plan for integrated water resources management that is developed and managed by the local actors.

Main results

• 4 drinking water systems built or rehabilitated;
• Each drinking water system is managed by a local water committee;
• The population respects hygiene and sanitation standards;
• 6 irrigation channels are rehabilitated;
• Irrigation committees have been set up for management and irrigation techniques;
• 2 sand-storage dams are being built;
• Sensitive areas are re-forested;
• A management committee has been set up for the flow basin and a plan for IWRM has been formulated.

Financing

DGCD, province of  Antwerp, Lannoo Projects.