This PDA will demonstrate integrated development of water infrastructure by (i) piloting a program of awareness on water tariffs including the public consultation processes and (ii) piloting a sustainable system of peer-to-peer training across counties targeting women and children on environmental health and sanitation awareness.

Description

Chongqing Municipal Government has received project preparatory technical assistance from ADB and prepared the Chongqing Urban-Rural Infrastructure Development Demonstration Project. The project aims to improve selected roads and water supply infrastructure in eight districts and counties.

Water shortage is a serious challenge in rural Chongqing affecting health and limiting economic growth, due to poor water infrastructure and surface water contamination. The project will improve water supply infrastructure in eight districts and counties. While this effort will provide the infrastructure and capacity building needed to provide clean water, maintenance of the improvements in the future will depend on an adequate tariff structure and long term health benefits will require changes in behavior and understanding with regard to health and sanitation among beneficiaries.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased awareness on water tariffs
• A cadre of peer-to-peer trainers which can provide further outreach to other counties in the future
• Increased awareness of on public hygiene, water source protection and sanitation among women and students

The PDA is expected to improve understanding of and participation in the water tariff consultations and a network of peer-to-peer training providing improved knowledge and awareness about health and hygiene and water services to rural women, children and communities.