The poor benefited from the project mainly indirectly. Community organizations in charge of autonomous water systems came to be seen as one of the key actors by official authorities. They gained visibility and legitimacy. As a result of the project community leaders were able for the first time to deal directly with municipal authorities. The activities at the workshops were important in spreading information and generating awareness about water and sanitation issues. The diagnóstico and provided accurate information of the water and sanitation situation in the district. The organizations in each of the twenty-two settlements became aware of the existence of common problems and challenges concerning water and sanitation issues within their communities. The dissemination of water and sanitation information through a bulletin among the users of the autonomous systems also contributed to increasing awareness and knowledge.