At Water 1st, 'Sustainable' is not a Buzzword

Constructing basic, low-cost water systems in developing countries may sound simple, but it is not. The water project failure rate in developing countries is astonishingly high--as many as 50% of projects fail for one reason or another. Water 1st projects are lasting and sustainable because of we only support the work of local partner organizations with a track record of success. These organizations are selected through a comprehensive evaluation process.

Project failures can be frequent but there are approaches that greatly increase the chances of success. The following explains how Water 1st approaches projects in a sustainable way.

Removing obstacles to the goal of safe water for all

“Lack of adequate capacity” is a phrase often used by development professionals. It means there is a shortage of organizations and institutions in developing nations that are capable of implementing sustainable water and sanitation projects in poor communities. The consequence is a high project failure rate.

Local Partner Organizations

By working with local partner organizations to implement projects, Water 1st is building local capacity to address the water and sanitation crisis. The organizations we select as our partners identify, design, and build appropriate technological solutions. And, because they have the ability to engage, educate, and train local communities, our local partners effectively prepare communities to manage their own water and sanitation systems. Water 1st provides consistent, annual funding to each of our partner organizations in response to a regional plan that they have developed to provide comprehensive water and sanitation coverage in a defined area. This predictability in financing and proactive planning allows our partners to be efficient and effective. It also fosters an environment of continuous program improvement. The end result is a group of projects that are sustainable over the long term. MORE

Project Monitoring and Follow-up

We are diligent in selecting, evaluating, and monitoring the ongoing work of our partner organizations. Applying a comprehensive program evaluation system is one of our central operating principles. We take very seriously our role in ensuring that our donors’ money is being spent efficiently and effectively. We also believe that our partner organizations and our beneficiary communities appreciate our thorough assessment of their work. When they have done exemplary work, they are proud of their accomplishments. Getting positive feedback from the donor is a great reward for them and a motivator to maintain high standards.

Community Commitment

Community empowerment is central to the Water 1st program model and a primary reason that our projects are sustainable over the long term. Our beneficiary communities are empowered through participation in planning, implementing, and financing of their projects, as well as assuming responsibility for maintenance and repairs. Community members learn a variety of skills through these projects, equipping them to take on new development endeavors. MORE

Role of Women

Women and girls are traditionally responsible for collecting water for their families, so they benefit significantly from these projects and contribute to their sustainability. Our projects place women in key roles, particularly on the local water committee. In this way, women participate in design and siting decisions, as well as long-term project maintenance. Having an important public role as a hygiene promoter or a water committee member provides a woman with job skills, enhances her status in the community, gives her more confidence, and ultimately paves the way for increased involvement of women in community affairs. MORE