Module 2. Changing the way we do business: the building blocks

Published on: 01/07/2011

Many countries are moving away from a focus on infrastructures towards ensuring continuous services and investment in planning, infrastructure provision monitoring and post-construction support. However, significant gaps and disparities remain. This module is about the approaches and tools used for shifting from an ‘implementation approach’ to a ‘service delivery approach’ (SDA) in order to achieve sustainability in the provision of water and sanitation services.

In this module we introduce the ‘building blocks’ and process elements for sustainable services at scale. We also examine different service delivery models and efforts to improve sustainability. A service delivery approach requires learning and change at service provision, intermediate, national and international levels.

• How have other organisations tried to improve the sustainability of their interventions?
• How do you improve sustainability within your organisation’s remit?
• What changes are required at sector level in order to ensure sustainable services at scale?

Learning Objectives

At the end of Module 2 the participants will:

• Be familiar with the frameworks for developing sustainable services
• Recognise the components and steps for moving towards a service delivery approach
• Give examples of service delivery models and practical applications of costing and sustainability improvements by different stakeholders
• Identify steps for improving sustainable services in their specific context.