USAID’s Afghan Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation (SWSS) Project and Afghanistan’s Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) are taking steps to improve project coordination and information sharing.  On October 30, USAID and MRRD signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will lead to better cooperation on water supply, sanitation, and hygiene-education projects.  The MoU also outlined that the SWSS project will continue to follow MRRD policy and implementing guidelines for rural water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion programming.

During the MoU signing ceremony, H.E. Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Jarullah Mansoori noted, “Water is an essential and vital element for long life and survival of human beings.  There are two major problems facing the inhabitants of rural areas in Afghanistan, lack of potable water and sustainability of water quality.”  The minister also emphasized the need to promote a culture of environmental sanitation and hygiene education in rural areas.

“We are committed to continue supporting and providing villages with potable water, viable sanitation options, and creative means to mobilize communities,” stated U.S. Deputy Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne at the signing.  “The USAID/SWSS project will strengthen community capacity to operate and maintain potable water supply systems and sanitation facilities.”