On 6th April 2008, a representative from the Mahalla Information Resource Centre* in Bagdad district in Fergana region received a coveted small grant by the World Bank Small Grant project. The World Bank programme has rewarded a small, but important project that seeks to involve women more in the management and control of water quality in Bagdad district.

The project, born in the communities for the communities, will do this by training women (and through them their families) on improved hygiene, water usage, and disease prevention. The project was rewarded for its innovative approach to water resource management and the increased role of women in society.

The centre, was set up in 2006 up by the Enhancement of Living Standards Programme project, financed by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in Fergana region. During this time it has supported communities, farmers and ordinary citizens, men and women, to prepare project proposals for the rehabilitation of social infrastructures to be co-funded by communities and the ELS project. The centre has helped the ELS to organize training and inform communities, on what matters most to them, for example health, education, business, access to credit, improved agricultural practices, HIV/AIDS, drinking water and sanitation. It has also provided paid services in computer use, photocopying and printing.

After the completion of the ELS project in December 2007, the centre has remained active. Its personnel has used the skills learned from the ELS to set-up a group of local volunteers that have brought together all 53 communities in Bagdad district to take a snap-shot of their concerns and identify solutions. These were outlined in community development plans. During January and May 2008 the District Information Resource Centre in Bagdad has prepared more than 14 project proposals to international donor organizations. One of them is «Women Managing Water Resources».

The official ceremony was organized by the World Bank Office in Tashkent.

More on the World Bank Small Grants Programme in www.worldbank.org/uz

* During 2005-2008 the ELS has helped local government in Karakalpakstan, Namangan and Fergana to set up 10 Resource Centre in ten districts. These centres, a distinctive feature of the ELS project serve as a link between communities, authorities and donors to better focus and coordinate activities in local development.