Water Distribution Project: Expanding Access to Water

Bangui, November 21, 2025 – The Central African Republic has launched a major new initiative to expand access to safe drinking water through the construction of modern water distribution infrastructure in Birao, Bria, Sibut, and Bangassou. Anchored in Strategic Area 3 of the National Development Plan – Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure – this flagship project represents a decisive step toward improving urban living conditions, strengthening public health, and ensuring that reliable potable water finally reaches communities long underserved by aging or incomplete systems. With an investment of USD 77 million, the initiative combines new production facilities, large-capacity storage reservoirs, and extensive distribution networks to transform the water supply landscape across four key regional centers.

Project Overview

Designed as a comprehensive urban water supply program, the project includes the construction of new boreholes and water treatment stations, alongside major expansions in distribution infrastructure. Production capacity targets are ambitious:

• 189 m³/h in Birao,

• 450 m³/h in Bria,

• 350 m³/h in Sibut,

• 350 m³/h in Bangassou.

Storage infrastructure will also be transformed, with reservoirs ranging from 1,500 m³ to 3,000 m³, depending on locality. The project foresees the installation of 465 new public standpipes and the creation of fully integrated systems combining production, storage, and distribution.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with commissioning planned for 2029 – marking a three-year implementation period.

Objectives

The project’s core objective is to significantly improve access to potable water in four regional centers where populations currently rely on insufficient or aging systems. By creating modern, reliable water supply networks, the initiative aims to strengthen urban resilience, improve living standards, and ensure that public health needs are met through stable, high-quality service delivery.

Activities Completed and Upcoming

Several foundational studies have already been completed, including diagnostic assessments and detailed preliminary designs for all four cities – carried out between 2007 and 2022 through EU-funded programs and World Bank initiatives. These studies provide a strong technical basis for execution.

The next phase will involve complementary studies, followed by full-scale construction works and system commissioning, covering treatment facilities, reservoirs, and the entire distribution network.

Expected Results

Once operational, the project will dramatically expand water system capacity across all four cities. Production volumes will rise to a combined 1,338 m³/h, supported by 10,000 m³ of total storage capacity, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of clean water to tens of thousands of residents. Coverage rates will improve from 27% in 2022 to a projected 75% in 2029, reflecting a major leap in service access.

Major Benefits

The initiative promises profound social and economic impacts. By providing reliable drinking water, it will reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases and ease the daily burden on households – particularly for women and children. The construction phase will generate demand for local labor and services, stimulating regional economies.

Most importantly, the project lays the foundation for healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive communities, while supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals related to health, clean water, reduced inequalities, and sustainable cities.