Main findings of the study were:
1) The total number of beneficiaries of the SURWAS water supply schemes between 1991 and 2008 is estimated at approximately 170,000 people, in line with targets.
2) Eighty-five percent of the SURWAS-supported water supply schemes in the sample were operating at the time of the survey.
3) On most measures water quality is fair, especially in Dhamar.
4) Households in scheme villages are more aware of sound sanitation and hygiene practices and have more and better latrines, although there is ample scope for further improvements.
5) Communities with a water scheme show less (self-reported) incidence of disease and more favorable health trends.
6) Introduction of house connections has led to considerable time savings. Men and boys benefited slightly more from these time savings than women and girls.
7) Time savings have led to higher school attendance. Communities with a water scheme have a higher proportion of girls in school.
8) The SURWAS community-based strategy is reflected in national water policy and institutional arrangements but only partially in current capacity.
9) GARWSP has not continued SURWAS’ belated efforts to integrate hygiene and sanitation in institutional development, which included measures to strengthen the role of women.
10) Institutional arrangements become less clear moving up from water user to national level.
11) Although the community-based institutional strategy has significantly contributed to the sustainability of SURWAS-supported and other water supply schemes, long-term sustainability is not assured.
Source: IOB Impact Evalation no 315
Support to Rural Water Supply and Sanitation in Dhamar and Hodeidah Governorates, Republic of Yemen
Buitenlandse Zaken | IOB Impact Evaluation | no. 315 | October 2008
