Implementing process of Rural Water Supply & Sanitation projects under ADB III and its impact on livelihoods

During the presentation the basic principles of the ADB approach were outlined in detail. The implementing process is basically divided into six phases (pre-project, social mobilisation, planning and design, construction, defect rectification and consolidation) spanning a 21-month period.

PRRA is a key tool throughout, especially for assessing demand and raising awareness. Village Participatory Planning (VPP) processes are designed to involve all beneficiaries in decision-making processes and provide data and information to assist communities in 'self assessment' and arriving at a decision on the most appropriate supply option. CBOs are expected to assume full responsibility for the construction process but are trained in construction management and quality assurance.

Impact on livelihoods is a central concern under the ADB approach. This is currently addressed through emphasis on equal opportunities and ensuring influential and marginalised groups sit together and discuss their respective problems and needs. The project provides support to community decision-making processes to help them collect and analyse their own data. Capacity building and empowerment are now explicit project objectives. There are a number of requirements designed to ensure decisions are 'collective' e.g. 75% of the community must be present at planning meetings and a minimum of 50% must sign the approved plan. In addition the project monitors women's involvement e.g. gender composition of CBOs.

Other useful indicators include levels of 'satisfaction' with WATSAN facilities, and % inclusion of disadvantaged groups e.g. Samurdhi and female-headed households (see tables). Project data on community contributions (cash and labour) towards the cost of water supply and sanitation developments illustrates the high level of demand for these services.

Community contributions under ADB III

1. Water Supply

• Cash Contribution (common facilities) = Rs. 70.1 mill
• Cash Investments (private facilities) = Rs. 68.6 mill
• Labour Contribution = Rs. 287.1 mill

1. Sanitation

• Cash Investments = Rs. 62.4 mill
• Labour Contribution = Rs. 41.5 mill

A key challenge identified by the project is reducing the dominance of elite groups in community expressions of demand for different technology choices. In some cases discussions have revealed that elites are willing to pay a greater share of the costs. CBOs are also encouraged to take the initiative in providing low interest credit facilities for poorer groups. Data shows that 86.4% of households pay their tariffs regularly but the vast majority (over 95%) depend on CBOs rather than banks for credit. Building the capacity of CBOs to plan, implement and monitor WatSan interventions is a key project concern. The benefits of enhanced capacity for systematic organisation and financial management also extend beyond the immediate scheme.