World Bank approves major investment to enhance Water and Sanitation access in rural Brazil

The Pernambuco Rural Water and Sanitation Project (PROSAR) seeks to tackle these challenges by enhancing access to sustainable and well-managed rural water supply and sanitation systems.

The World Bank Board of Directors has greenlit a significant investment aimed at bolstering access to water and sanitation for approximately one million people residing in rural areas of Pernambuco, situated in the northeast region of Brazil.

Despite Pernambuco's relatively high percentage of the population having access to safe water supply systems, rural areas face significant challenges, with only 37 percent having access to water supply systems. Many existing systems are prone to breakdowns due to insufficient maintenance or the depletion of water sources, exacerbating the situation.

The Pernambuco Rural Water and Sanitation Project (PROSAR) seeks to tackle these challenges by enhancing access to sustainable and well-managed rural water supply and sanitation systems. This initiative involves upgrading existing systems and developing new water sources that are resilient to droughts induced by climate change.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, PROSAR aims to strengthen institutional capacity within Pernambuco's government agencies responsible for water resource management and service delivery. Technical assistance and training will be provided to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, the project will engage with local communities to ensure their involvement in planning, implementing, and maintaining infrastructure, fostering community ownership and participation.

An essential aspect of PROSAR is its focus on promoting inclusion by addressing obstacles that hinder access for vulnerable groups, including women, children, and young rural inhabitants. Improved sanitation facilities will help reduce waterborne diseases, particularly among children. Additionally, by alleviating the burden of water collection, particularly borne by women, improved infrastructure can empower women to pursue other opportunities such as education and economic participation.

Almir Cirilo, Secretary of Water Resources and Sanitation of Pernambuco, highlighted the significance of PROSAR in addressing the long-standing challenge of providing water to rural areas. He emphasized the project's role in expanding water supply services and leveraging water sources such as the Agreste Pipeline to benefit rural communities.

Johannes Zutt, World Bank’s Country Director for Brazil, underscored the institution's commitment to enhancing community resilience to climate impacts while fostering sustainable development. He emphasized the project's goal of improving the lives of rural residents facing significant hardships in accessing essential water and sanitation services.

The investment, totaling US$113 million, comprises a US$90 million loan from the World Bank and an additional US$23 million from the State Government of Pernambuco. With a final maturity of 21 years and 6 months, including a grace period of 8 years, the investment aims to catalyze positive change and improve the well-being of rural communities in Pernambuco.