*This story is adapted from a recent article about the program in USAID/Kosovo's E-Newsletter. Read more about or watch video of the program.

Malisevo Municipality, Kosovo — April 28, 2009 — One 85 meter deep well is the only source of water for the villages of Bubel, Qupeva and Domanek in Malisheve/Malisevo municipality, and it's not enough. For the 2,580 residents, and even some people from other villages, gaining easier access to more quality water is critical. Linking the community to potable water is part of IRD's USAID-funded Small Infrastructure for Water and Sanitation (SIWS) program, which is focused on constructing water and sanitation systems in areas not served with potable water.

Malisheve/Malisevo municipality is limited in surface water resources, with only a small number of residents having access to potable water. However, recently an artisan well in the village of Bubel proved to be quality water, offering a good quantity of water, enough to sufficiently to serve several villages.

A feasibility study is underway for an expanded project. If
the results are positive, the program will design and build
a water system for the villages of Bubel and Domanek.
Malisheve/Malisevo is one of four municipalities in the
SIWS program.

IRD's three-year SIWS program consists of installing, rehabilitating, expanding, and upgrading water and sewage systems in four of the poorest municipalities in Kosovo. Over the life of the program, SIWS will mobilize and commit more than $6.2 million, including cost-sharing in project works benefiting over 85,000 citizens of Kosovo with improved access to safe water supply and sanitation.