Renewing WASH commitments at RWSN forum, Kampala

Published on: 14/12/2011

The 6^th RWSN Forum in Kampala concluded with a renewed vision for sustainable, and inclusive rural water services for all. Achieving this vision however is, as identified by forum participants, plagued by three crucial obstacles: 1) slow progress in reaching the underserved, 2) poor performance of services, and 3) uncoordinated efforts.

Speaking at the closing ceremony was chair of the RWSN—Richard Carter. By acknowledging that efforts over the years were not in vain and resulted in observable islands of success, Carter identified four areas which saw improvement over the years: source community management, post construction support, involvement of local private operators, as well as sector reform and monitoring. Carter noted, however, that in the quest to increase coverage, insufficient emphasis was placed on capital investment. WASH actors have not paid enough attention to operation, maintenance, and recurring financing needs. National and local coordination capacities are also two areas which need further strengthening.

In the face of a burgeoning population, it is important for actors to pay due attention to both capital and recurrent spending, said Carter. He emphasised that as coverage increases, expenditure should shift towards operation and maintenance. A situation where capital expenditure dominates recurrent expenditure spells doom and poses a risk of leaving some sections of the population underserved.  

The 500+ delegates attending the RWSN Forum agreed on ten commitments which align with the network’s strategy and renewed vision. The commitments are as follows:

Focusing on water users and water resources

1. We recognise the rights and the natural justice of all citizens to enjoy secure water services, regardless of location, lifestyle, gender, age, disability, ethnicity, or income.
2. We will do everything possible to ensure that the services we deliver are equitable and sustainable, providing lasting service with no time limits.
3. We will take full account of all water users’ needs for close and unrestricted access, adequate quantity and acceptable quality of water, high levels of reliability, affordability, and a realistic burden of management responsibility.
4. We recognise the multiple uses of water, and the multiple sources from which users take their water for domestic and livelihood purposes.

Focusing on ourselves as rural water professionals

1. We are committed to high quality of design, implementation (of both software activities and construction) and post-construction activities.
2. We will continue to develop, promote, and adhere to specific standards and codes of good practice in rural water supply, and build close links to other development sectors which affect, or are affected by, this sub-sector.
3. We will continue to enhance our own individual and organisational learning and professional development, with a special emphasis on south-south learning.

We will advocate for

1. Increased and better-targeted finance for capital investments and for post-construction financing through local Governments to address the sustainability of rural water services.
2. Greater transparency and accountability in regard to progress in rural water provision and service performance.
3. Special efforts to raise the profile of rural water, including development of post-2015 targets and the possibility of an international year of rural water supply.