In the next 24 hours, the world’s urban population will grow by nearly 200,000. In the face of massive population growth, cities are struggling to cope.
Washing up in Kalshi slum, Dhaka, Bangladesh Š WSUP
Already, nearly 900 million urban residents have no choice but to live in low-income communities - poorly built, often illegal settlements which lack even the most basic services like water and sanitation. And with urban population growth rates often double the national averages, this situation will only get worse over the coming years. Since cities will be the future habitat for many in developing countries, it is critical to invest in basic services and infrastructure. This is the reason why Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) was set up in 2005.
Our approach Delivering services and testing models Developing local service provider capacity
We help transform cities to benefit the millions who lack access to water and sanitation. We work alongside local providers, enabling them to develop services, build infrastructure and attract funding so that they can reach low-income communities. To ensure that services can reach as many people as possible, and will exist over the long term, we have a strong focus on financial viability. We’re the only urban specialist in our sector and our experience shapes the work of others, ensuring that our work has an impact beyond the countries where we have a permanent presence.
Results since inception: 2.4 million with improved water services
Improving the enabling environment
1 million with improved sanitation
Mobilising additional investment
6 million with improved hygiene practices
Carrying out research and sharing learning
Here’s a snapshot of some of the activities we’re involved in:
Dhaka, Bangladesh: Instrumental in the creation of septic-tank emptying business SWEEP, a crucial development for the millions who live in unsewered communities.
Accra, Ghana: Educating more than 140,000 school children on the importance of handwashing.
Nairobi, Kenya: Extending water access to hundreds of thousands of people in lowincome communities in Nairobi. Visakhapatnam, India: Working with the city authorities to eliminate open defecation, part of India’s Swachh Bharat Mission.
Lusaka, Zambia: Introducing water kiosks in lowincome communities, enabling residents to purchase safe, affordable water.
Antananarivo, Madagascar: Helping the national utility reduce losses from theft, leakage and poor payments collection increasing availability of water for low-income customers.
Maputo, Mozambique: Working with local providers to improve collection of sanitation waste for the 91% of households which are unsewered.
Between 2016-2020, we plan to reach a further 17 million urban residents with improved water, sanitation and hygiene services.
“Thanks to WSUP, JIRAMA has been able to stabilise operations and increase water supply to low-income communities in two major cities in Madagascar. WSUP is now a major actor in the water sector in Madagascar.” Henri Ravalisoa, Deputy Director General for Water at JIRAMA (national utility in Madagascar)
Women working in latrine construction in Naivasha, Kenya © Gemma Bastin / WSUP
Promoting gender equality through water and sanitation Poor WASH provision has a particularly detrimental impact on women and girls - leading to high maternal mortality rates, worsening reproductive health, and increasing school absenteeism. Throughout our work we have a clear focus on gender, creating an environment where women can strive for genuine economic and social equality. We create communal sanitation facilities in a way that prioritises the concerns of women and girls, ensuring that they continue to be used years after construction. We improve employment opportunities for women, enabling them to manage facilities such as water stand-posts and laundry blocks. And, we work with women’s community groups to create change at a local level, for example in our work in Visakhapatnam, India.
Partner with us: partnerships@wsup.com | Our advisory services: advisory@wsup.com +44 (0)20 1867 7822
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