How to createpolitical will for public investment in sanitation for the urban poor MAKING THE CASE FOR SANITATION

Why is it necessary to create political will? 1.5 billion people need to gain access to sanitation before 2015 Northern Africa, 2.3% Sub-Saharan Africa, 16.9% Eastern Asia, 23.3% South-East Asia, 8.8% South-Central Asia, 35.6% Western Asia, 3.7% Latin America & Caribbean, 6.5% Oceania, 0.2% Europe, 0.2% Other Developed, 2.5% –Source: OECD 2004

Why is it necessary to create political will? Business as usual is not enough Environmental health is nobody’s business Lack of good governance Voiceless people, need advocacy

Whom to convince? Government: ministries planning executing regulating Public or autonomous utilities operating sanitation operating water operating both national or municipal Civil society NGOs universities sectorial groups Private sector water and sanitation utilities industries associations providers (services + goods)

Whom to convince? If the project includes……then approach Drainage Ministry of Civil Works Solid waste Municipality Separate sewerage Water utility On-site sanitation Private sector providers Hygiene promotion Health and education It depends on the technology

Whom to convince? Project Decision-maker Community Lobbying Meetings Mobilization Pressure Allies

How to do it? Identify the decision-maker’s benefit Government Political benefit Competition with other countries Competition between institutions Public or autonomous utilities Higher efficiency Less operation costs Civil society Higher presence Research and development Private sector Economic benefits Publicity, good image

How to do it? Consider all benefits – To the environment, at household and community levels – To operations – To social life

Less grit Less erosion Less WS pollution Time availability Less medical costs How to do it? Environment HealthEconomyCommunity Sanitation No visual, no smell Natural resources preserved No fecal contamination No industrial pollution Less ponding water Less diarrhea Less aneamia, blindness Less dengue, malaria Education Infrastructure Tourism Fisheries Reuse Property value Less treatment Less maintenance Better financial Better image Privacy - Security Gender sensitivity Religious, cultural Social Cohesion Collective action Girls at school More jobs Other community activities SocialOperations No wastewater intrusion Better clients

How to do it? Consider existing capacity – Respect existing regulation – Value local doing – Profit of other demands – Use ad-hoc opportunities

How to do it? Have a good timing Lobbying, meetings Promote competition Demonstrate

What to tell them? Raise awareness at government level – “Public commitment for public benefit” – “Importance of basic hygiene”

What to tell them? Clarify the role of government – “Let the money and the work to the private sector” – “Have the government get the credit for it”

What to tell them? Motivate the government – “Cross sector benefits: tourism, reuse…” – “Your neighbour country does better” – “Update your knowledge”

What to tell them? Awake interest of public utilities – “have healthier clients” – “help us reduce your operation costs (treatment)” – “have a better image”

What to tell them? Confirm regulation roles – “health sector should regulate health issues” – “Ministry of environment should be part of it”

What to tell them? Universities – “Suit the pockets of the poor, not the ideals of the engineers” – “Be proud to be a health engineer”

The End