Technical sustainability

Locally appropriate technologies

Sustainable water and sanitation technologies optimally satisfy the direct and indirect needs of the users in their environment from a development perspective. The quality, means fitness for use, or suitability, is one key element, while the sustaining context is the other key-element. Access to water has been declared a human right, which entitles everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal, domestic and productive use. Complying with that right, an economic value may be ascribed to the access to water and sanitation. Appropriate financing mechanisms should be developed.

Sustainable Technologies

Sustainable Technologies (ST) can substantially contribute to more and better water supply and sanitation systems. ST promotion amongst the various stakeholders is needed for attracting more finance, particularly from the private sector. A worldwide and large-scale application of ST in a sustainable way requires a homogenization of the concept of ST in water and sanitation.

We aim to strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders to make informed technology choices; and strengthen the production, construction and maintenance capacities of local providers as to be capable to respond to demands, opportunities and ideas from consumers and investors.

Key approaches:

We therefore seek and apply locally appropriate technologies of high quality, which are context-specific, affordable, durable and demand-driven. We have a twofold approach:

1. Adapt the WASH technologies to the context where they are being used

• Preference for the use of locally made/available designs and materials
• The technology should not exceed the levels of complexity that match the expertise levels of people involved (users, mechanics, implementers)
• Use of options that are already available on the market, supply chains and service chains in place; and replicable
• Adhere to local rules, regulations, standards
• The technology should be in compliance with the need
• The selected technology should be affordable

2. Adapt the context to the technologies needed to deliver the WASH services

• Influence policy to include the technologies in use in local standards and regulations
• Involve local entrepreneurs in the establishment of the wash service
• Train local stakeholders (technical sustainability)
• Introduce sustainable means of financing of WASH in investments and O&M
• Introduce appropriate revenue systems