In Guinea’s capital of Conakry, water is a serious health and political issue. For years in Conakry’s commune of Matam, residents did not have regular access to potable water. Some residents illegally tapped into existing water pipes, which sometimes resulted in the distribution of untreated, disease-carrying water. Others did not pay for the water they consumed or defrauded Guinea’s water utility company, SEG.This resulted in financial loss for the utility company, which did not have the resources to widen water distribution to other needy neighborhoods.In 2008, USAID working with SEG launched the PACT project to improve the distribution of water to Conakry’s citizens who would otherwise go without. With the PACT initiative, water from the region around the town of Kindia is treated in the nearby town of Koya rendering it potable. The clean water is then piped to Conakry for distribution in Matam and other neighborhoods. On December 18, 2008, USAID through the PACT initiative provided new offices for SEG, including furniture, computers, and other equipment to monitor the water activities in Matam. In addition, the office handles billing issues, inquiries, and customer service concerns. For the first time in memory, residents of Matam can get answers to their questions about water services.

The $1 million USAID-funded PACT project has resulted in better customer service and wider distribution of water. Some 23,000 families in Matam now have access to potable water. In addition, SEG has seen income double as more customers, satisfied with the service, are willing to pay for clean water. Thanks to the PACT initiative, customers have been able to install faucets in their homes for a fee of $50. For the majority, who cannot afford to have water in their homes, PACT ensures access to public faucets for a small fee. In 2008, SEG installed 325 water meters and 376 pipe leaks were repaired. PACT inspectors monitor the water meters and record consumption as well as any incidents of fraud. These inspectors have also identified nearly 80 illegal water pipes. These inspections have prompted consumers to pay their bills, thus allowing SEG to re-invest in the communities to improve water service. SEG has also increased the number of plumbers, ensuring greater response to costumer concerns. USAID funding for PACT also covered the cost of purchasing 5,000 extra water meters, which will be installed in 2009. Currently, 1,000 PACT-provided water meters are operational. In addition, USAID provided materials and equipment to replace old water pipes, as well as several vehicles for repair teams. To help identify water users, PACT distributed 10,000 tags, which will be posted on houses with water service. PACT now hopes to gradually expand into Conakry communes of Dixin and Matoto, bringing the benefits of clean water to even more households.