Moving towards universal WASH access in the North Caribbean Coast’s Autonomous Region (RACCN)

The Nicaragua Rural project is part of the Lazos de Agua Program. It is implemented by a variety of project partners: WaterAid America oversees WASH solutions and strengthens the local technical and managerial capabilities at community and institutional levels. Component A is a coordinated effort between the municipalities of Waslala, Waspam, and Puerto Cabezas, as well as the regional government of the RACCN. The SABC interventions in Component B are carried out by the artists groups Mujeres Creativas Lapta Yula, Traca Traca, El Bosque, Zankistas Fuego y Son, and Colectivo Arte Ceibo. And our project partners for Component C are PANA PANA, Cooperativa Caja Rural, and Mano a Mano.

Access

• The aim is to increase access to water and sanitation services that are safely and sustainably managed. This is done by building or improving infrastructure — in this case: by building or improving drinking water supply systems at community, family, and individual levels; by improving WASH services in schools and health centres; and by building sanitation solutions.

Behaviour change

• This project fosters the following behaviours through SABC interventions: drinking water treatment and safe storage, handwashing with soap and water at key moments, and payment of the water service tariff.

Capital

• This project creates an enabling environment by developing WASH-specific financial products, by strengthening the WASH supply chain, by supporting market-based solutions including entrepreneurship training and micro-loan promotion campaigns.