Advocacy

RWSN assists in the formulation of strategies for cost-effective service delivery with decision-making for the management of rural water supplies delegated to the lowest possible level. Simplified, user-friendly technologies are emphasised, as well as the importance of preventive maintenance.

Through country case studies, operational research and extensive dialogue, RWSN has reached a number of conclusions on the way forward in rural water supplies in sub-Saharan Africa as follows:

• The water and sanitation MDGs in Africa can only be reached by progress in rural areas where advancement is the most difficult.  Across Africa, rural households lag well below urban ones in coverage and quality of water services yet get a lesser share of public investment per capita.  Sector programs typically bypass the poorest and most remote communities.
• Cost-Effective Boreholes:  Increased access to ground water sources if of critical importance for reliable access to water for domestic and productive use. In most African countries drilling rate and capacity are well below the MDG requirements.  Concerted and systematic in-country actions are needed. Considerable efforts are required to move from knowledge to action with respect to ten key principles of borehole drilling. 
• Self supply gives value to convenience of access, multiple use, income generating potential, low investment and maintenance costs and sustainability reflecting the primary concerns of users. The concept is useful for assessment, as well as improving rural water supplies.  However, constraints need to be overcome to gain full acceptance by policy makers.
• Sustainable Water Supplies: Some useful work has been undertaken  on these key themes but much more detailed work is required regarding financing mechanisms, management models, maintenance experiences and post-construction support.
• Handpump Technology: There is value in standardization but there is also a need to maintain a degree of competition and innovation. 

The following RWSN fieldnotes provide clear information for policy makers and implementers with respect to cost-effective boreholes, self supply and sustainable water supplies.