Municipality

Vršac

Community

Kuštilj

Title

Construction of Water Supply System in Kustilj

Problem

Residents of the village Kustilj were using water from street and yard wells which contains harmful bacteria and failed regulatory tests, thus creating a threat to health in the village.  In addition, during summer months nearly half of the village wells dry out, and water tanks must be trucked in from nearby villages.  Often this is not enough to meet the needs in the village.  The lack of a modern water supply system inhibits the economic development of the village, including projects in the ethno tourism and agribusiness fields.  The local community developed a strategic plan for constructing a new water supply system in 1999.  Community groups formed teams to advocate a three phase development plan and obtain funds from Vrsac Municipality to construct the water supply system.  Additional funds were necessary in order for the project to be finalized, with significant works provided by the local community.

Solution

With advocacy as the part of the strategic plan, community groups established local beneficiaries’ and municipality contributions, completed test drills, and initiated a well construction project.  Local residents completed the initial phases of digging the well and installing a pump.  The local community committed to implementation of the construction works, including completing the final phase of building the main water pipeline and placing individual house connections.  Assistance was needed in the purchase of materials for construction of the water system.

Impact

Adequate drinking water improves living conditions and economic opportunities for citizens of Kustilj.  Long-term availability of drinkable water improves the health of residents, motivates further work in developing the local community, and should help prevent further migrations of residents from the village to the city.   

Beneficiaries

806

USAID Funds

$26,371

Community and Other Contribution

$66,012