Considerations for the successful design & implementation of ICT systems in the WASH sector

The use of new ICT (Information Communications Technology) tools to support WASH provision is expanding rapidly. Yet too often the focus appears to be on the tools themselves and on the ability to collect data in a different way – and not sufficiently on what the data gets used for, how the provision of data can actually change the dynamics of the situation or how reliable the data is and who will continue to provide it once the initial novelty value has worn off.

SeeSaw – a social venture working at the crossroads of ICT and WASH services – is very interested not just in the technology, but how and why it gets used. This paper discusses findings from our advisory and other work in Southern Africa, including our own learning from countries where we provide WASH-specific ICT systems. It also draws heavily on the findings of a two day workshop, co-hosted by SeeSaw and the University of Cape Town, that explored ICT-related trends and challenges in both the WASH and health sectors. [author's abstract]