The document summarizes the Triple-S research project, which aims to contribute to a shift towards sustainable service delivery approaches for rural water supply in developing countries. It discusses key aspects of a service delivery approach, including clear policies and roles, planning, community participation, appropriate technology, and long-term support. The project involves action research in Ghana and Uganda, as well as studies in 13 other countries, to identify factors that promote or constrain services at scale. Findings indicate countries progress along a continuum from infrastructure implementation to full service delivery approaches, with gaps in areas like asset management, life-cycle cost planning, and regulation.

1. S ustainable Services at Scale - Triple-S Department for International Development 10 February 2011

3. What do we mean by a service delivery approach?

7. Thirteen study countries Range of development levels, aid dependency, business markets and reforms

9. Sustainability continuum Implementation approach with limited ability to scale up. Time and spatial dimensions are limited Scaled up implementation approach. Can be taken to scale, but does not address long-term systemic change or sustainability Service delivery approach with limited ability to scale up. Supports indefinite services through improving sector systems, but done in a piecemeal way Full Service Delivery Approach. Addresses sustainable services at scale through support to entire sector ‘system’ in a coordinated and comprehensive way

10. Three broad sector groupings

18. More information Triple-S: www.irc.nl/page/45530 [email_address] [email_address] [email_address] WASHCost: www.washcost.info [email_address]

19. Service delivery models RURAL (VILLAGE) RURAL - HIGHLY DISPERSED RURAL GROWTH CENTRES AND SMALL TOWNS VOLUNTARY BASED SEMI-PROFESSIONALISED FULLY PROFESSIONALISED Delegated contracts to private operators Community-based management Direct local government or municipal provider Urban utility (public, private or mixed) Self Supply