Ainslie Street Advisory: Facilities Readiness Assessment

Blog written by William Haggerty, Founder + Principal at Ainslie Street Advisory

At a rural district hospital in West Africa, a medical oxygen production plant went down for scheduled maintenance and a two-day job took almost a week – because the hospital didn’t have a consistent water supply. Replacing a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant’s zeolite molecular sieve requires clean water to flush the pressure vessels, and submersible pumps require electricity, and the grid is intermittent, and fuel is expensive, and so the maintenance team waited for power, to get water, to clean the pressure vessels, to put the PSA oxygen plant back into service. Meanwhile, the clinical team burned through days of backup cylinder inventory until the oxygen plant finally came back online. This kind of downtime chain reaction happens all the time in limited-resource healthcare facilities [1], and it almost never gets spotted in advance.

All WASH practitioners working in healthcare delivery understand that reliable potable water supply is non-negotiable for safe clinical procedures, patient hydration and nutrition, and effective infection prevention and control, but according to WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Program data from 2023, only 60% of healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa had access to basic water services (defined as an improved water source on the healthcare facility premises)[2]. What’s not often considered is that a reliable water supply is also critical to facilities’ operations and maintenance, and when it’s interrupted, the ripple effects show up in places a WASH assessment would never look – like PSA oxygen plant downtime.

Ainslie Street Advisory developed the Facilities Readiness Assessment (FRA) to catch healthcare infrastructure failures before they happen. The FRA covers water and sanitation alongside electrical infrastructure, medical oxygen supply, waste management, and operations and maintenance, and includes references such as Médecins Sans Frontières’ Public Health Engineering in Precarious Situations and the WHO/UNICEF WASH in Health Care Facilities Global Baseline Report. In the example above, the FRA would have flagged the gaps in power, water, and medical O2 supply before the maintenance team took the plant out of service, enabling the facilities team to prepare by stockpiling a bit of fuel, filling the water tanks, and compressing a few extra oxygen cylinders before getting started. The FRA also distinguishes what matters most across a facility by specifying Critical Life Safety factors, e.g. consistent free residual chlorine monitoring is not weighted equally with sufficient handwashing points.

Fig. 1 – Facilities Readiness assessment summary page with scoring by component and separate Critical Life Safety issues

Ainslie Street Advisory is a fee-for-service infrastructure advisory firm grounded in over a decade of humanitarian and global health implementation experience. ASA deploys the Facilities Readiness Assessment at limited-resource healthcare facilities and provides additional infrastructure advisory services like pre-procurement technical assessment, capital project development support, and O+M program design. We operate globally with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa and are available for new client engagements now. Contact us at hello@ainsliestreet.com.

Ainslie Street Advisory’s Facilities Readiness Assessment is available free of charge at: https://ainsliestreet.com/FRA-tool-download.

[1] Water, sanitation, hygiene, waste and electricity services in health care facilities: progress on the fundamentals. 2023 global report, pp. 9-11. Geneva: World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 2023, link. Accessed 13 April 2026.

[2] WASH in health care facilities 2023 data update: special focus on primary health care, Geneva: World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 2024, link. Accessed 13 April 2026.

Moving towards professionalised community managed rural water schemes in Nepal

Reposted from IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre: see the original post here. The article is written by Digbijoy Dey and reviewed by Ruchika Shiva. Photo: IRC.

Rural water supply services are evolving quickly because of technology, climate stress, financing models, and governance changes. And these changes differ from country to country and within countries. However, the changes have some common characteristics as well, at least in lower middle-income countries. During our recent visits to Nepal, we have tried to understand the dynamics of rural water supply in this country. Here rural water supply essentially includes small urban and rural municipalities.

Common trends in rural water supply

Recent research and publications have documented the changing models of rural water supply, including Shiva and Saha (2025), Odhiambo et al. (2025), USAID (2023), and SFF (2020). An AI-assisted trend analysis based on these works highlights several shifts. Globally, rural water supply is moving from handpumps to piped schemes, as exemplified by India’s Jal Jeevan Mission and Ethiopia’s HoA-GW4R Project. Management is becoming more professionalised through private operators, public–private partnerships, and utility-style agencies, replacing traditional community-based volunteer committees. At the same time, digitalisation is transforming service delivery with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, prepaid meters, and mobile payment systems that improve monitoring, detect leaks, and enhance cost recovery.

Other major trends include the integration of climate resilience and source diversification, such as combining groundwater, rainwater harvesting, and surface water treatment with climate-proofed infrastructure and energy-efficient pumping. Solar-powered and hybrid renewable energy systems are replacing diesel pumps, while water safety planning, real-time quality monitoring, and low-cost treatment are gaining ground. Financial sustainability is being strengthened through volumetric tariffs, prepayment, and blended finance, while regionalisation is clustering small schemes under federated utilities. Equity and inclusion are also central, with greater focus on women, marginalised groups, and people with disabilities. Finally, rural water networks are increasingly designed for multiple uses, linking drinking water to irrigation, sanitation, and livelihoods.

Why Nepal is different

Nepal has a population of about 30 million, 23 million of them live in rural areas, mostly in mountainous and remote regions. As per JMP 2024, 77.2% of the population is accessing basic drinking water services, only 16.5% of the population access safely managed drinking water (the remaining 6.3% have limited or unimproved services). With an aspiration to deliver reliable services, Nepal is trying to change its water service delivery ecosystem. If we look closely, we will see that the trends in Nepal are similar to those mentioned above. The difference is, while most countries are adopting more professionalised private or utility-managed services, Nepal is embracing a more formal version of community-managed services to address the rural water need. Historically, water supply in rural areas of Nepal has been managed voluntarily by the community. At present, the Water Users’ and Sanitation Committees (WUSCs) are being formalised into legal entities under sector laws.

Continue reading “Moving towards professionalised community managed rural water schemes in Nepal”

New paper: O&M and the Finance Gap for Drinking Water Services

There is a multibillion-dollar finance gap slowing progress towards universal drinking water services. Focusing on how governments are investing to address this gap, a new open access research article examines the different elements that contribute to this gap, and argues that the funds needed for operations & maintenance (O&M) of services should be considered differently from the funds needed for infrastructure. With the functionality and sustainability issues the sector faces, these differences are worth paying attention to.

This research suggests a framework of five strategies for bridging, shrinking, and filling the finance gap for drinking water services, based on how the funds available from tariffs, taxes, and transfers compare to the life-cycle costs of services.

A framework for bridging, shrinking, and filling the finance gap for drinking water services (Nilsson, 2025)

Do we need a new framework?

Maybe, yes! Approaches for targeting gaps in infrastructure finance have been well studied, with many frameworks already available to guide actions and suggest new funding sources and mechanisms. However, the parts of the finance gap related to operational needs has been less analysed, even though there is an increasing need for operational finance.

The water sector continues to struggle with the financial sustainability of drinking water services. Most repayable finance sources are not suitable for operational costs, and so it falls to governments and service providers to see how to balance ongoing costs and revenues. This framework shows that, after construction, there are fairly limited options: increase tariffs, cut costs, and/or set up subsidies.

How can the operational finance gap be addressed, to keep water services flowing?

This research studied 213 examples of government investments for drinking water services, from 68 countries, to see how public finance is being used to address the operational finance gap. It found 13 tactics being used by governments from around the world, using financial, technical assistance, and/or policies, to:

  • increase funds available from tariffs, and/or
  • decrease funds needed for operations & maintenance, and/or
  • increase funds available for operations & maintenance through subsidies.

These tactics, and their investment requirements, are presented here: 

Public finance tactics to support operations of drinking water services (Nilsson, 2025)

This framework could help to better understand and compare tactics for addressing the finance gap for drinking water services. To read more about this study, you can access the full article here: The Role of Public Finance to Address the Global Finance Gap for Drinking Water Services.

What do you think?

  • Which tactics are being applied in your areas, by governments, or by other sector actors? Which are not?
  • Are the tactics being used achieving what is needed, supporting services for more people, and services which are more financially sustainable?
  • Are there other tactics being used that are not captured here?

About the author: Kristina Nilsson is a governance and development professional with over a decade of experience working on water and sanitation service delivery in Africa and Asia. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Oxford, researching public finance support for rural drinking water services.

Sustaining Access to Safe and Healthy Drinking Water in Fiji: A Universal Challenge for Island and Rural Coastal Communities

Access to safe and healthy drinking water is a fundamental human right. Yet for many island and rural coastal communities worldwide, this right remains fragile or unattainable. Fiji, an archipelago of more than 300 islands, vividly illustrates this challenge. Despite its tropical climate and abundant rainfall, freshwater resources in Fiji are increasingly under pressure. Over-abstraction, particularly in water-intensive tourism sectors, combined with the accelerating impacts of climate change, threatens the sustainability of water systems. Fiji’s experience reflects a universal struggle for water security in island nations and rural coastal regions.

Island environments are naturally constrained when it comes to freshwater. Unlike continental landmasses, islands have limited rivers, streams, and shallow aquifers. In Fiji, water is sourced from rivers, streams, natural springs, rainwater harvesting systems, and underground aquifers. These sources are highly sensitive to variations in rainfall, land-use changes, and contamination. Once compromised, alternatives are often scarce, making water security a central concern for both rural villages and small island nations.

“Sustaining access to safe and healthy drinking water is not just about scarcity, it is about how water is managed, shared, and protected.”

Over-Abstraction and Tourism Pressures

Over-abstraction has become a critical issue in Fiji. Population growth, urban expansion, and changing lifestyles have steadily increased water demand across the islands. Coastal zones and smaller islands are particularly vulnerable, where shallow freshwater lenses can be quickly depleted. Once over-extracted, these lenses may collapse or become contaminated with saltwater, leaving water unsuitable for consumption.

Tourism, a major pillar of Fiji’s economy, further intensifies pressure on freshwater resources. Hotels, resorts, and other facilities consume large volumes of water for swimming pools, gardens, laundry, and guest services. In many cases, tourist water use exceeds that of local residents. When regulation and conservation measures are weak, tourism can compete directly with community water needs, a challenge common to island destinations worldwide.

Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Climate change magnifies existing water challenges. Rising temperatures increase evaporation, reducing water availability in rivers, reservoirs, and storage tanks. Altered rainfall patterns have caused longer dry periods and more frequent droughts, disproportionately affecting rural and outer-island communities that rely on rainwater harvesting. During extended dry seasons, households often face water rationing or must rely on untreated sources.

Extreme weather events, including cyclones and floods, further threaten water systems. Floodwaters can damage infrastructure, carry debris and pathogens into freshwater sources, and overwhelm natural filtration processes. Sea-level rise also poses a long-term risk for coastal groundwater, as saltwater intrusion contaminates shallow freshwater lenses. Recovery, if possible, may take decades, underscoring the lasting impact of climate change on water security.

Health and Social Implications

Unsafe or unreliable water has serious health consequences. Limited access to clean water increases vulnerability to waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, and skin infections. Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly at risk. In rural areas with limited infrastructure, households often rely on untreated sources, further increasing health risks and placing additional strain on local healthcare systems.

Inequality in water access compounds the problem. Urban populations generally benefit from centralized treatment and distribution systems, while rural and outer-island communities rely on small, self-managed infrastructure such as rainwater tanks and natural springs. These systems are often outdated, poorly maintained, and highly susceptible to contamination.

Toward Sustainable Solutions

Fiji’s challenges reflect broader patterns among islands and rural coastal regions: limited freshwater resources, competing demands, climate change impacts, and unequal access to infrastructure. Addressing these issues requires integrated, multi-faceted solutions:

  • Investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to protect storage systems, pipelines, and natural water sources.
  • Community engagement and local management to ensure maintenance and equitable access.
  • Promotion of responsible water use across all sectors, particularly tourism.

By implementing these strategies, Fiji can move toward sustainable water management that balances economic development, environmental protection, and public health.

Sustaining access to safe drinking water is more than a development goal, it is a matter of survival, health, and dignity. Over-abstraction, tourism pressures, climate change, and social inequality threaten the long-term resilience of water systems. Protecting freshwater resources, investing in resilient infrastructure, and promoting equitable water management are critical steps not only for Fiji but for island and coastal communities worldwide.

“Ensuring safe drinking water for present and future generations is not only a matter of development, but a commitment to the survival and dignity of island communities everywhere.”

Save our Fiji is dedicated to addressing these pressing water challenges in Fiji and beyond. They work directly with local communities to improve water infrastructure, promote sustainable water management practices, and build resilience to climate-related impacts. By combining research, community engagement, and practical interventions, they aim to ensure that every island and coastal community has reliable access to safe, clean, and sustainable drinking water for generations to come. Save our Fiji joined the RWSN member organisations in April 2024.

Highlights from the RWSN Mentorship Programme 2024: Faith Lilian Kuloba

This is a guest blog by Faith Lilian Kuloba, who participated as a mentee in the RWSN Mentorship Programme 2024.

My name is Faith Lilian Kuloba, a Ugandan currently pursuing an MSc in Water and Wastewater Processes at Cranfield University. My journey to this point began during my time as an Assistant Water Resources Engineer at Water Access Consulting, when my supervisor encouraged me to join the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN).

About a year later, while reading one of RWSN’s monthly email updates, I found the 2024 Mentorship Programme for Career Development. Although I wasn’t sure what to expect, I applied with optimism, and I was honoured to be selected.

Shortly after submitting my application, I was paired with my mentor, Rodolfo Bezerra Nóbrega, a lecturer and researcher in the water and environmental sector. His extensive experience in research and academia made him the perfect guide.

At the time, I was eager to advance my career through further studies. I had already applied for several master’s programmes without success, and my family was experiencing financial strain, making the prospect of funding my education even more uncertain. When I shared my career goals and challenges with Rodolfo, he committed to guiding me through the process.

Applying for a master’s degree can feel overwhelming, but Rodolfo provided exceptional mentorship. He helped me identify the right programmes, advised me on suitable universities, and taught me how to search for scholarships including how to reach out to universities about funding opportunities. He supported me in reviewing scholarship requirements, refining my CV to UK standards, and learning how to write strong, structured essays. He also assisted with interview preparation.

Earlier this year, I was honoured to received the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, which has allowed me to begin my masters programme at Cranfield University.

This mentorship programme has been truly transformative. Without Rodolfo’s support, encouragement, and skill, I would not be where I am today. Just a year ago, I was unsure how I would finance my studies and now I am in the UK pursuing the master’s degree I always hoped for.

My sincere thanks go to RWSN and the Skat Foundation for organising this mentorship programme. It is an outstanding professional initiative that empowers women in WASH to grow, learn, and advance their careers. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities it has given me.

To join RWSN and be informed about the next round of the mentoring programme, please sign up here.

Mentorship That Flows: My Journey in the RWSN and Women in WASH Mentorship Programs

This is a guest blog by Esther Lydia Akol, who participated as a mentee in the RWSN and Women in WASH 2025 Mentorship Program.

Photo: Esther (Mentee) with Community Water users after an Exchange Learning visist on Water Point Sustainability in Uganda

When I joined the RWSN and Women in WASH Mentorship Programs in April 2025, I hoped to grow professionally and expand my network. What I didn’t expect was a six-month journey that would challenge my thinking, deepen my confidence, and transform the way I approach leadership in rural water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). From meaningful conversations with my mentor to new global opportunities, these programs has shown me that mentorship is not just guidance; it is a ripple effect that strengthens communities, builds leadership, and fuels sustainable change.

My name is Esther Lydia Akol, a Ugandan WASH professional with The Water Trust. I joined the mentorship program to grow professionally, expand my network, and strengthen my leadership in promoting sustainable and inclusive rural water systems. Coordinated by the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) and Agenda for Change, the programs pair emerging professionals with experienced mentors to foster leadership, learning, and collaboration. It is more than a capacity-building effort; it is a platform for women to find their voices, share experiences, and lead change in communities and organizations.

Discovering Strength in Shared Experience

My mentor, Elon Ryan Sooknanan (PMP, MSc(Eng), MBA), brought a wealth of experience and a genuine spirit of guidance. Our monthly conversations went beyond technical discussions; they explored how sustainability, equity, and innovation intersect to make WASH initiatives more effective and inclusive. Through his mentorship, I learned to communicate with clarity, set achievable goals, and adopt a systems approach to rural water challenges.

Perhaps the most transformative lesson was realizing that mentorship is a two-way flow. While I learned from my mentor’s experiences, I also shared reflections from my work in Uganda’s rural communities. Together, we explored how local realities inform global strategies and how personal growth strengthens professional impact.

During this period, my mentor introduced me to Transformations Leeds (UK), a charity offering apprenticeship and coaching programmes in leadership. I was awarded a one-year apprenticeship and an additional six-month coaching opportunity focused on leadership, sustainable solutions, and climate change. Alongside this, he shared resources on scholarships and WASH knowledge platforms, which I continue to explore to expand my learning and global perspective. This experience demonstrated that mentorship often extends far beyond formal programme sessions, opening doors to lasting professional growth and collaboration.

Bridging Knowledge, Confidence, and Community

Beyond one-on-one mentoring, the RWSN and Women in WASH Mentorship Programs connected me with a diverse community of professionals committed to improving the sustainability and inclusivity of WASH services. Peer-learning sessions and resource-sharing platforms provided spaces for dialogue, reflection, and practical problem-solving.

What stood out most was the sense of community. Our mentor created a WhatsApp group for all the mentees he was mentoring, connecting us with WASH professionals from different regions and countries. Each participant brought a unique perspective, yet we shared a common determination to make a difference. Stories of resilience from across the globe reminded me that collaboration is one of the most powerful tools for advancing rural water supply.

Lessons That Will Flow Forward for me

Reflecting on this journey, I carry forward lessons that will guide my WASH and community development work:

  1. Mentorship multiplies impact. Guiding others strengthens leadership, knowledge-sharing, and the sustainability of development efforts.
  2. Diversity enhances problem-solving. Global exchanges between mentors and mentees bridge context-specific and universal challenges.
  3. Confidence grows through support. Having someone believe in your potential helps dismantle self-doubt and nurtures leadership courage.
  4. Networks are transformative. The mentoring programs connected me to a vibrant community of practitioners who continue to inspire collaboration.
  5. Gender equity drives sustainability. Empowering women in WASH leadership fosters inclusive, resilient, and community-driven systems.

A Call to Future Mentees and Mentors

To women joining future mentorship cycles: embrace every session, challenge, and conversation with openness and curiosity. Ask questions, share your story, and listen deeply to others. The RWSN and Women in WASH Mentorship Programs’ true strength lies in mutual learning, where every perspective contributes to shaping a more inclusive and resilient WASH sector.

To professionals considering mentorship: your experience and time are powerful investments in the next generation of WASH leaders. Mentorship is not about having all the answers; it is about guiding reflection, nurturing curiosity, and helping others grow in confidence and skill. Every shared insight strengthens a global community working toward sustainable rural water services.

Conclusion: When Women Lead, WASH Thrives

Participating in the RWSN and Women in WASH Mentorship Programs has been deeply transformative. It reaffirmed that sustainable water supply is not only about infrastructure—it is about people, relationships, and shared learning.

As I continue my work in Uganda, I carry the lessons of mentorship: the power of connection, the strength of collaboration, and the hope that when women lead, communities thrive. Every act of guidance creates ripples of change, ripples that sustain clean water, dignity, and opportunity for all.

About the author:

Esther Lydia Akol is a WASH Officer with The Water Trust in Uganda. She is passionate about sustainable WASH solutions, gender equity, and empowering rural communities to build resilient rural water systems.

Photo: Esther (Mentee) facilitating a community WASH Committee Meeting in Uganda

To join RWSN and be informed about the next round of the mentoring programme, please sign up here.

Mentorship: The Highlight of My WASH Journey

This is a guest blog by Kachusha Nkosha, who participated as a mentee in the RWSN and Women in WASH 2025 Mentorship Program.

Being part of the RWSN and Women in WASH Mentoring Programs has been one of the most defining experiences of my professional journey. Having previously mentored in the health sector, I joined the program eager to contribute, but what unfolded went far beyond expectation. It became a season of personal growth, deeper purpose, and renewed conviction in the power of mentorship as a tool for transformation.

I was privileged to be mentored by Dr. Marie Christine Faye, a woman whose wisdom, humility, and global WASH experience profoundly shaped my outlook. Her mentorship went beyond career guidance; it encouraged reflection, strategic thinking, and a systems approach to leadership. Through her example, I learned that great mentors do not simply provide answers, they create space for discovery, confidence, and courage.

As a mentor myself, I was paired with two exceptional mentees under the hygiene programming track. One of them, Ms. Samira Nassir, displayed remarkable growth and commitment. Her ability to absorb lessons and translate them into tangible progress was inspiring. Our exchanges were grounded in openness, curiosity, and a shared determination to make a difference. My second mentee faced challenges balancing professional and personal responsibilities, as she was not engaged full-time, but I shared resources that she affirmed were valuable. However, even that experience carried important lessons. I continued to share resources, encouragement, and opportunities, reaffirming that mentorship is not about perfection — it is about planting seeds of belief and resilience that grow in their own time.

This program validated one of my strongest personal values, the value of supporting others to rise. It reminded me that true leadership is measured not by personal achievement, but by the impact we create in others. This belief has always guided me and was at the heart of my TEDx Talk, where I spoke about the transformative power of mentorship and the ripple effect it creates in communities. The RWSN program gave that philosophy new depth, connecting it to a global community of women equally passionate about change.

Beyond professional development, this experience strengthened my resolve to continue advancing in the WASH field, particularly in systems strengthening. It inspired me to pursue higher studies and deepen my understanding of how sustainable change is built — not only through projects, but through empowered people, resilient systems, and collaborative leadership.

Looking ahead, I am more determined than ever to contribute meaningfully at local, regional, and global levels — championing women’s leadership, innovation, and inclusivity within WASH. The RWSN and Women in WASH Mentoring Programs have reaffirmed my belief that when we lift others, we lift ourselves — and when women lead with empathy and vision, entire systems transform.

Photo: Kachusha Nkosha mentoring the youth WASH Ambassadors Club – the first WASH Club in Zambia led by youths.

To join RWSN and be informed about the next round of the mentoring programme, please sign up here.

My Mentorship Journey with RWSN and Women in WASH 2025: Growing Through Guidance and Purpose

This is a guest blog by Alinafe Favour Kanyimbo, who participated as a mentee in the RWSN and Women in WASH 2025 Mentorship Program.

My name is Alinafe Favour Kanyimbo, a WASH passionate Malawian emerging professional with a background in Water Resources Management and Water Policy. Over the past few years, my academic and professional experiences have strengthened my commitment to advancing sustainable water and sanitation systems that improve community well-being, especially for women and youth. Earlier this year, I had the privilege to participate in the RWSN and Women in WASH 2025 Mentorship Programs,  an enriching journey that ran from April to September 2025 and profoundly shaped my professional and personal growth.

When I joined the mentorship program, I was enthusiastic to broaden my understanding of women in WASH, leadership, and professional development within the WASH sector. I was also looking for direction on how to channel my growing passion for inclusive WASH and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) into meaningful action. I was paired with Mr. Sylvester Vungu, an experienced WASH professional whose leadership and dedication to community-centered development greatly inspired me.

From our very first interaction, my mentor encouraged me to reflect deeply on my career goals and to identify the specific areas I wanted to strengthen. Through consistent conversations, he shared valuable guidance on navigating career pathways, building confidence, and enhancing professional visibility. His mentorship also highlighted the importance of leadership grounded in empathy, collaboration, and service, lessons that resonated strongly with my own vision for community empowerment.

One of the most impactful aspects of the mentorship was our discussion on gender inclusion and women’s participation in the WASH sector. I came to appreciate how meaningful engagement of women in decision-making processes can transform not just water and sanitation outcomes but entire communities. Reading articles from different countries, I appreciated the efforts by different organizations like World Vision to promote MHM, especially in rural areas and schools. These reflections reinforced my dedication to championing inclusive WASH approaches that prioritize the needs, voices, and dignity of women and girls.

The regular sessions, knowledge-sharing events, and peer exchanges allowed me to learn from diverse perspectives and discover innovative solutions that can be adapted to local contexts in Malawi.

As I look back, the RWSN and Women in WASH Mentorship Programme has been more than just a professional development opportunity; it has been a journey of rediscovery and empowerment. It has strengthened my belief that when women are supported, mentored, and included in WASH initiatives, communities thrive, and sustainability becomes attainable.

As I move forward, I am motivated to keep contributing to the development of equitable, resilient, and gender-responsive WASH systems, ensuring that no one is left behind. I remain deeply grateful to my mentor, Mr. Sylvester Vungu, for his timeless support, encouragement, and wisdom throughout this transformative journey.


Author Bio

Alinafe Kanyimbo is a water and sanitation professional from Malawi with a Master of Science in Water Policy from the Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences (PAUWES). She is passionate about gender inclusion, climate resilience, and sustainable WASH systems that empower communities and promote equity.

To join RWSN and be informed about the next round of the mentoring programme, please sign up here.

Lessons from the RWSN webinars

Guest blog by Rebecca Laes-Kushner. Featured photo from RWSN webinar presentation on 29.4.25 (What Drives the Performance of Rural Piped Water Supply Facilities?) by Babacar Gueye from GRET Senegal.

Professionalism. Standards. Systems. These themes are repeated throughout Rural Water Supply Network’s (RWSN) spring and fall 2025 webinar series.

Given the large percentage of boreholes with early failure – within one to two years – improvements in standards and professionalism in borehole drilling are necessary. Drilling association leaders spoke passionately about the need for borehole drillers to professionalize to improve the quality of boreholes, increase accountability, stop illegal drilling and enhance community buy-in, which occurs when standards are enforced and certified materials are used.

George k’Ouma, from the Small Scale Drillers Association of Kenya, said it best: Professionalism isn’t optional.

A tidbit: Small borehole drillers have an advantage over large operations because they have knowledge of the local geology and seasonal changes, which enables better planning and materials selection.

Another area in need of increased professionalism is water management. Professor Kwabena Nyarko, from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), conducted a study comparing public sector, private sector and community water management in Ghana. Model type was less important than having professional standards and following best practices, including metering, tariffs that covered maintenance costs, efficient collection of tariffs, audits and reporting, digital recordkeeping and training, as well as financial support.

Jose Kobashikawa, head of the Enforcement Directorate for Sunass, the regulatory body for drinking water and sanitation services in Peru, echoed these concepts in his presentation. SUNASS uses a benchmarking tool to evaluate rural providers. Metrics include formality and management (are they registered, do they have a water use license), financial sustainability (do they collect tariffs, what percent of customers are defaulters), and quality of services (is water chlorinated and daily hours of water supply). High performing providers are awarded certificates recognizing their good practices in public management and workshops are held in each region to disseminate best practices.

Focusing on systems is another thread that runs through the varied webinar topics. Systems thinking means designing a scheme for the long-term provision of water. Boreholes must be properly sited. Appropriate materials, such as high quality stainless steel (304/316), need to be selected in order to prevent corrosion, as RWSN’s Stop the Rot initiative details. Handpumps often corrode within months or years instead of lasting a decade. Ayebale Ared, Technical and Social Expert at Welthungerhilfe, shared Uganda’s systemic solution: in 2016 the country banned the use of galvanized iron (GI) risers and rods in all new and rehabilitated handpumps – the first sub-Saharan country to do so. Uganda also requires a water quality analysis be done before materials are selected.

In addition, data collection and use must be embedded in all stages and aspects of water projects.. Dr. Callist Tindimugaya, Commissioner for Water Resources Planning and Regulation in Uganda, collects data from drillers which he then turns into groundwater maps the drillers can then use.

Systems thinking also means including the needs of the entire population in the design, especially women,  who bear the burden of hauling and carrying water. Women – who are killed by crocodiles while washing clothes in rivers, whose skin is irritated by harsh detergents, who find leaning over low wash basins harder as they age, who need to wash bloody clothes and bedsheets separately from the family’s regular laundry when they menstruate. Laundry is barely mentioned in WASH circles but RWSN devoted an entire webinar to the topic. One speaker questioned how the WASH sector would be different if the metric for success was the amount of time women spend collecting water.

Understanding the local culture is critical; psychologists, behaviorists and sociologists can help provide insights. Technical solutions which aren’t accepted by the community will only lead to failure.

The lack of funds to cover maintenance work on wells is well known. Systems thinking means anticipating root causes of funding issues in a community and pre-emptively building a system that attempts to solve those issues. Tariffs are too low to cover maintenance? Then the project needs to determine how sufficient funds will be raised, whether through higher water fees (that may be less affordable to low-income families) or from external sources. The water committee is inefficient at collecting funds? Then training and capacity building need to be part of the project design from the beginning. 

Looking at the bigger picture helps creative ideas flourish: Household rainwater harvesting, replenishing water aquifers through tube recharging, deep bed farming that breaks up the hard pan so water can return to the aquifer, sand dams that filter water and incorporating water management and regreening in the design and construction of roads so crops can grow next to roads. During the laundry webinar, three organizations presented their laundry solutions – devices that save women time, eliminate much of the manual labor, use less water and even offer income-generating opportunities.

The webinars are at times frustrating because we clearly know what needs to be done – yet professionalism, systems thinking and best practices are not always prevalent. More often, though, the webinars are full of insightful information and inspiring stores from experts. The knowledgeable participants, who ask focused, detailed questions, enhance the experience. I look forward to the spring 2026 webinars which are currently being planned.

Rebecca Laes-Kushner is a consultant to NGOs and companies with a social mission, with a particular focus on development issues such as WASH, climate change, supporting SMEs, health care and nutrition. Laes-Kushner Consulting (https://laeskushner.net/) provides research and writing, data analysis, M&E and training services. Rebecca has a Master’s in Public Administration (USA) and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Development and Cooperation from ETH NADEL in Switzerland.

New Book: Dispelling Myths About Water Services

by Tapio S. Katko, Jarmo J. Hukka, Petri S. Juuti, Riikka P. Juuti and Eric J. Nealer.

Illustrations: Pertti O. Väyrynen. Publisher: IWA Publishing, London.

Is bottled water better for you than tap water? Is the pollution created by wastewater treatment plants a major issue? Is privatisation the best solution for more efficient water use? These are just a few of the myths busted in Dispelling Myths About Water Services.

In any society, water and wastewater systems are of fundamental importance to the development of communities and the well-being of both people and the ecosystem. Unfortunately, this fact has been reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic, by all manner of natural disasters, and by recent armed conflicts around the world. In such situations, clean water and sanitation are among the first things that need to be organised.

In this book, internationally renowned experts examine 21 common misconceptions regarding water supply and wastewater services, dispelling the myths by drawing on their global insights and avoiding technical jargon, while simultaneously raising questions of concern relating to water services.

Access to clean water and safe sanitation is essential for life. Without it, our time on this planet becomes dangerously short. People do not necessarily think about the challenges relating to water services, but the message is clear: to build sustainable water services, proper rules, accountable and responsive leadership, and well-informed stakeholders are vital, alongside resilient organisations and robust physical systems.

Originally published in Finnish, this English edition has been completely rewritten and includes examples and references from countries across the world. Original illustrations bring the content to life.

Whether you’re a water professional, policy maker, or environmental enthusiast, Dispelling Myths About Water Services helps sort the fact from the fiction regarding our most vital resource: water.

The book is freely available as an e-version: DOI: https://doi.org/10.2166/9781789064162 and a printed copy can be bought as well from the website for 20% off seasonal offer for the printed version by the code “DMAWS25”, Valid until 21st Dec 2025.