On May 17, 2024, the World Bank Board of Directors approved a significant new investment aimed at increasing access to water and sanitation for approximately one million people in rural Pernambuco, located in northeastern Brazil.
In Pernambuco, about 82 percent of the total population has access to safe water supply systems, while only about 31 percent are connected to sewerage networks. These figures are significantly lower in rural areas, with only 37 percent having access to water supply systems. Additionally, many existing systems frequently break down due to inadequate maintenance or drying-up water sources.
The Pernambuco Rural Water and Sanitation Project (PROSAR) seeks to address these issues by improving access to sustainable and safely-managed rural water supply and sanitation systems. This will be achieved by upgrading existing systems and developing new essential water sources that will be more resilient to droughts induced by climate change.
PROSAR also aims to support the development of institutional capacity within Pernambuco's government agencies responsible for water resource management and service delivery. It will offer technical assistance and training to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The project will work with local communities to plan, implement, and maintain infrastructure while fostering community ownership and participation.
Furthermore, PROSAR seeks to promote inclusion by addressing obstacles that impede access by vulnerable groups such as women, children, and young rural inhabitants. Improved sanitation is expected to reduce waterborne diseases, particularly among children. Better access to clean water is also anticipated to empower women in rural communities as it can free up their time for education and economic participation.
Almir Cirilo, Secretary of Water Resources and Sanitation of Pernambuco stated: "PROSAR is about to embark on a highly significant stage of the current state government...Pernambuco has two million people living in rural areas...PROSAR will support the state in expanding water supply services in rural areas, including...the use of water from large pipelines..."
Johannes Zutt, World Bank’s Country Director for Brazil, expressed the organization's commitment to the project: "Our investment in the Pernambuco Rural Water and Sanitation Project reflects the World Bank's steadfast commitment to improve community resilience to climate impacts while fostering sustainable service delivery and development..."
The investment includes a US$90 million loan from the World Bank and an additional US$23 million from the State Government of Pernambuco. The loan has a final maturity of 21 years and 6 months, including a grace period of 8 years.