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Rural poor in SRSO target area do not have basic critical infrastructure. Standards of living and quality of life for those living in the rural setting and crowded confines of squatter of slum urban areas is extremely bad. Low income or no income combined with lack of such critical infrastructure like functional Basic Health Unit, Pit Latrines etc is causing more poverty. They desperately need basic physical infrastructure (land, sewage, potable water); more family planning facilities; immunization; educational health programs; link roads; and political commitment to improve basic needs. Concerted and sustained efforts are required to
uplift standards of living and quality of life for those living in the remote areas.
SRSO follows basic needs
approach - the conscious attempt to reduce poverty among the poorest groups.
It is committed to assist
communities in improvement and addition to the existing physical
infrastructure with their participation as an essential element. Physical
infrastructure is normally considered one of the strongest and more visible
indicators of development with a high demonstration effect. It provides
inspiration to the community to own and involve in the development process.
SRSO PITD Section assists communities in building and managing
Community Physical Infrastructure (CPI) Projects by providing guidance in
technical and construction related initiatives. The majority of the CPIs schemes
relate to drinking water, link roads, water resource development (lining of
water courses/channels, installing lift irrigation systems), sanitation schemes
(open drains, bathrooms/latrines), pavement of streets, cattle yards and schools
through grants. The community contributes either through cash or by
providing labour or material in-kind. PITD engineers also built
roads linking remote villages to main roads. This latter activity brings
economic and social opportunities to communities: people pay less for goods and
services, opportunities to market their farm and other produce are greatly
expanded and their access to medical care is increased. Opportunities to attend
school and to find employment are also increased. The PITD Section also develops the
capacity of communities to operate and maintain the projects after completion.
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