Spreading the message for WASH services that last

Published on: 01/10/2013

This presentation started with the analysis of poor sustainability of WASH infrastructures as observed in most countries, and the need to move from business as usual towards a service delivery approach.

Early July 2013, Action Contre la Faim (ACF International), a humanitarian NGO with focus on nutrition, WASH and food security, had its annual WASH learning retreat in Kenya. Although being primarily an emergency-focused agency, ACF is increasingly working in development in its focus countries, and hence sees sustainability as a central issue in its interventions.

In this context, IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre was invited to provide an introduction to the Service Delivery Approach (SDA) and Life-Cycle Cost Approach (LCCA) to about 33 ACF WASH staff from 20 countries (and 3 headquarters).

This presentation started with the analysis of poor sustainability of WASH infrastructures as observed in most countries, and the need to move from business as usual towards a service delivery approach. The various components of a Service Delivery Approach were discussed, and the audience was introduced to Life-Cycle Cost components through a practical exercise.

The introduction to SDA and LCCA generated vivid discussions among ACF staff, with a number of questions debated, such as:

• What should be the roles of NGOs in ensuring that all life-cycle costs, and in particular the direct and indirect support costs, are planned and budgeted for?
• Where does the advocacy role of NGOs in that regard start and stop?
• How can all stakeholders (governments, NGOs, donors) organise themselves to ensure truly sustainable WASH services?
• What is the applicability of life-cycle cost approach in an emergency context?

These rightful comments highlight the important role of IRC as knowledge broker and the need to further disseminate the concepts and approaches underlying WASH services that last. This brief introduction on SDA and LCCA to ACF is part of IRC’s growing effort of promoting practical application of these elements.

Are you an NGO? Are you interested in learning more about WASH service delivery approach and life-cycle cost approach? Then contact IRC using the link below.

Valérie Bey and Mélanie Carrasco