Water and Sanitation Decade

Focus on Physical Expansion

The WorldBank and especially the Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) played an important role, especially at the start of the decade.

The WorldBank and especially the Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) played an important role, especially at the start of the decade. A number of important documents were published:

However, the decade failed to address water and sanitation in an integrated way.

Based on the experiences from the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade (IDWSSD) from 1981 to 1990, several key recommendations can be drawn to enhance future water and sanitation initiatives:

Community Participation. Foster active involvement of local communities in all phases of water and sanitation projects, from planning to implementation and maintenance. This approach ensures that the solutions are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the communities.

Strengthening Institutional Frameworks. Governments are to develop robust institutional frameworks that support water supply and sanitation initiatives. This includes enhancing coordination among various stakeholders, including governmental, non-governmental, and community organizations.

Target Setting and Prioritisation. Establish clear targets for improving water supply and sanitation services, prioritising vulnerable populations. Setting ambitious yet achievable goals can mobilise political will and resources effectively

Sustainable Financing. Implement strategies for sustainable financing that ensure long-term operation and maintenance of water systems. This includes exploring community financing models and public-private partnerships to support infrastructure development.

Appropriate Technology. Promote the use of appropriate technology that is affordable, maintainable, and suitable for local conditions. This ensures that technology choices are not only effective but also sustainable over time.

Education and Awareness. Enhance public education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation, hygiene practices, and the health benefits of improved sanitation. Community engagement through education can lead to better health outcomes.

Integrated Water Resource Management. Adopt an integrated approach to water resource management that considers the interconnections between water supply, sanitation, health, and environmental sustainability. This holistic view can lead to more effective solutions.

Monitoring and Evaluation. Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess progress towards goals, identify challenges, and adapt strategies as needed. Continuous feedback mechanisms can improve project effectiveness over time.

SFDs.

In recent years, the WorldBank promoted the use of Shit Flow Diagrams as a means of increasing transparency.