RRLA Forums

1St RRLA forum

2nd RRLA forum:

 Theme "PROMOTING GOOD GOVERNANCE FOR IMPROVEMENT IN WASH SERVICE DELIVERY"

Good governance is widely considered necessary for achievement of sustainable Water and Sanitation services (WASH). However, in practice it has continued to be difficult to achieve since it is not clearly understood what good governance means at community

level. On the 28th and 29th February 2012, WASH stakeholders in the Rwenzori region converged at Tooro Resort to share experiences on WASH governance. This second regional learning forum attracted over 60 participants from seven districts and a team of 10 people from the northern region Dutch WASH Alliance to deliberate on promising field experiences that address governance issues in water sanitation and hygiene service provision. The stakeholders were from Dutch WASH Alliance Partners (HEWASA, JESE, PROTOS,AMREF, Caritas Gulu), Government ministries, District and Sub County staff, local and  international NGOs, higher institutions of learning, and private sector organization. The “Omuhiigo” The term Omuhiigo reffers to a specified day every month, on which the community and their leaders converge to a water source. On the appointed day, the Local Council I Chairperson sounds drums at 7:00am and community members by households, assemble at their water sources. They come with their tools including, but not limited to hoes, pangas, pick  , spades, wheel barrows, hammers, and brooms. They contribute their labour, ideas and materials to do the necessary work at the water source. Those unable to work manually work may contribute money. They also pay their water user fees and the committee reports about the O&M funds and functionality of the water source. Records are kept about the work done and handed over to a member of Village Health Team (VHT), who delivers it to the Sub County Community Development Officer TRADITIONAL COMMUNAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AS SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION SERVICES One of the solutions was found in adopting the traditional communal management system refered to as “Omuhiigo” strategy demonstrated by Kabarole District Local government. Omuhiigo strategy is an example of a culturally appropriate community initiative to bring about a desired change in a perplexing Operation and Maintenance situation in the district. It compels leaders, and community members to play their expected roles in the management of WATSAN facilities. This was piloted in the Sub Counties of Ruteete and Hakibaale with successful results.  Read more