This document discusses strategies for improving the functionality of rural water supply services in developing countries. It finds that 25-60% of water schemes are non-functional due to lack of maintenance and asset management. Promising solutions discussed include post-construction support through local mechanic associations in Uganda, which achieved up to 96% functionality; putting functionality on national agendas in Nepal and Tanzania; and water point mapping for accountability in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya. The lessons are that functionality must be prioritized politically, local examples combined with national commitment, and evidence-based stakeholder dialogue used to improve accountability for performance.

1. This title page will be used by the WASH organisers to introduce your slide – please DO NOT include this slide in your presentation Moving towards Functional Rural Water Supply Services Jackson WANDERA, Henk VEERDIG, Binh PHAM GIA, Declan O’LEARY SNV Africa and Asia

2. in WASH SNV is an international capacity development organisation that works in 35 countries in five regions SNV supports WASH initiatives in 21 countries in Asia (5) and Africa (16). SNV’s develops capacities for functional water supply services.

3. Why functionality of water supply services? Appropriate technology Gender issues Life span Private service providers Equity Multiple uses

4. Functionality of water supply services Non functional status: 25 – 60% of schemes. Challenges: Maintaining service levels Asset management Professionalisation of rural water supply services.

8. Dominant assumption: “Lack of community ownership”.

9. Weak correlation between formal registration of Water User Committees and functionality and O&M funds and functionality.

11. The first Nepal Joint Sector Review for stakeholders to build a consensus has provided hope.

13. RESULTS OF WPM & ACCOUNTABILITY Increased government response to O&M Equity in location of new water points In TZ WPM is scaled for whole country

15. Private sector model

16. Cooperative modelCooperative model was most successful in: Timely repairs Fee collection (now 100%) and financial management Water source protection and demand management

18. The hard evidence has led govt to address functionality in the policy and increase training of implementers and scheme managers.The challenge is to create incentives and conducive environment for improved performance of implementers and scheme managers.

19. LESSONS LEARNED/ CONCLUSIONS Although low functionality rates is politically sensitive it must be confronted and discussed. Combine practical local examples with national political will and commitment to succeed Evidence based dialogue by and with stakeholders is the key for achieving greater accountability for performance. Emphasis on “community ownership” as a pre-requisite for sustainability gives duty bearers an excuse for abandoning rural schemes