The thematic group on transparency of the resource centre network RAS-HON in Honduras was formed, after a series of workshops on the theme, conducted by the Water and Sanitation Program of the World Bank Institute and IRC. One of the first activities of the thematic group was to formulate a proposal for a pilot study on transparency, which was implemented between 2008 and 2009, with financial support from the Water Integrity Network (WIN) and technical support from IRC.
Published on: 07/07/2011
This support allowed for the documentation of good practices with transparency and accountability between the water committees and water users in the departments of Olancho, El Paraiso and Francisco Morazan. To that effect a methodological guide was developed with data collection tools. Field technicians have been trained in the use of these tools. The results of the field study were then analysed with the thematic group members and synthesized in the form of four briefing notes.
On the basis of these notes they also developed a training manual with a focus on the use of transparency and accountability tools in water committees. This manual is targeted at trainers of trainers. The thematic group has managed to agree with SANAA and FHIS to include a module on transparency as an integral part of the regular training programme of water committees. The group continues to carry out trainings on transparency for technicians of the various organisations in the water and sanitation sector.
Currently the thematic group is coordinated by SANAA, the Honduran water and sanitation utility, and has members from the Honduran Social Investment Fund (FHIS), the Honduran Association of Water Boards (AHJASA), the regulator of water and sanitation services (ERSAPS), CARE, Entre Pueblos and the Peace Corps.