The Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Semi-urban and Rural Areas (PAEPA SU MR) has been financed to the tune of 5 billion CFA francs, or more than 7.6 million euros. The financing agreement was signed on 20 January 2023, between the African Development Bank (AfDB) representative in Chad, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zene, and Moussa Batraki, the Chadian Minister of Economic Prospects and International Partners.
The funds allocated by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) will allow the construction of several drinking water and sanitation facilities in Chad. These include 48 solar-powered mini-water supply systems in semi-urban centres and large cluster villages.
Improving access to water and sanitation in 11 regions
At least five large-diameter mini-PWTPs equipped with solar panels will also be built for market gardening and agriculture, as well as water storage and distribution tanks. A borehole equipped with a solar pump will supply a 10 m3 water tank to serve three administrative offices in Chad. The water analysis laboratory in the town of Laï in the Tandjilé region will be rehabilitated.
Launched in 2018, the PAEPA SU MR is being implemented in the regions of Borkou, Ennedi East and West, Tibesti, Mayo-Kebbi, Tanjile, Logone Oriental, Logone Occidental, Mandoul, Moyen-Chari, Salamat and Sila. It also aims to build 135 latrines consisting of three cabins and a flush toilet, and to build five dumps for storing household waste. The entire project will require an investment of 80 billion CFA francs, nearly 122 million euros.
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The AfDB estimates that PAEPA SU MR will eventually benefit more than 2 million people, 54% of whom are women. According to the financial institution, by 2021, the rate of access to drinking water in Chad will barely reach 53%. As for sanitation, the latest AfDB report (2017) indicates an access rate of 30%. The Chadian government is aiming for universal and equitable access to drinking water, hygiene and sanitation by 2030.
Inès Magoum