Failing WASH systems are a too common phenomenon in developing countries, begging the question: Was the chosen water or sanitation technology the right one in its particular context?
Published on: 27/03/2014
Typically, about one out of three water systems in sub-saharan Africa may not be functioning at any moment in time. That is a shame! Not only for the millions of investment lost. The people who were supposed to use these water and sanitation systems that have now failed have to turn to traditional distant water sources. Such sources may be providing poor-quality water, resulting in serious health risks and a great loss of time and productivity. The wrong technology is often at the roots of this failure.
To make sure an improved water service and sanitation facility – and the improved hygiene practices – last, you need the best-fit technology for that family or community. Too often, political promises and wishful thinking of planners on what people would pay or would do result in selecting WASH technologies that families and communities will not or cannot make last.
If water flows from the tap or pump or the latrines are being used, it does not mean that the water and sanitation service will last forever. Functionality is not the same as sustainability. The sustainability picture is much more complex. Institutional, financial, economical, social, cultural and environmental factors complement the technical elements in non-functionality.
IRC recognises the complexity of achieving sustainable WASH services, and the role that technology choice plays in that. IRC assists national and local WASH stakeholders to design and analyse processes to research, monitor, analyse and learn to avoid the mistakes of the past. A sector-wide dialogue and learning agenda help to change and reform policies and strategies on WASH technologies that meet the promise in contributing to sustainable services. IRC develops and shares innovative concepts, tools and processes to validate the best-fit WASH technology for the given context. Monitoring of local sustainability, and human and political behavioural aspects are main directions. IRC works with partners to keep technology paramount in the sustainability frame and on the change agenda.
