Dimensionamento de um sistema de captação e abastecimento de água na comunidade em Matola

Abstract

This research addresses the issue of inadequate access to drinking water, particularly in the Ndlavela neighborhood, Matola Municipality, Mozambique. With population growth, the existing water infrastructure, designed to serve fewer than 7,000 customers, now serves more than 8,000, resulting in frequent supply interruptions, especially during the summer. The overall objective is to improve the water collection and distribution system in the Ndlavela neighborhood. Specifically, it seeks to assess the system's current capacity, appropriately size the infrastructure, and implement sustainable water resource management strategies. The research uses descriptive and exploratory methods, based on a case study and qualitative and quantitative techniques. Questionnaires were administered to residents and interviews were conducted with managers of the company Águas Doce Inducuzana. Technical documents were also analyzed to obtain a diagnosis of the supply system and develop improvement proposals, such as modernizing pumps and increasing reservoir capacity. The research proposed modernizing the water supply system, including the installation of new, more powerful submersible pumps and the construction of new reservoirs, increasing storage capacity by 40,000 liters. The project proved economically viable, with an estimated return on investment within the 18th month of operation and a 20% efficiency reduction in operating costs. With the modernization of the system, a continuous water supply is expected, especially during peak demand, significantly improving the quality of life for residents. The current infrastructure will be expanded to meet the population growth projected for the next 10 years. The study concludes that Ndlavela's water supply system requires urgent modernization to meet the growing demand.