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The desirability of best practices in the execution and operations of water projects in developing countries has been largely underscored both by the writer/initiator of, and the various contributiors to the subject matter. However, I note that the subject as presented has been viewed through the prism of the service/aid providers only.
Probably we couldn't stretch the issue further by considering suggestions that could assist service providers with some 'best practices' for working on water supply projects in developing areas - from the perspective of the communities, the actual recipients and would-be beneficiaries of the water projects.
Isn't it preposterous?
Isn't it against the norms?
Drawing from my experience as a Community Water Coordinator in my hin Ekiti State, Nigeria, I've discovered that an effective approach is to work with and through community water associations (CWAs). Where none is in existence, efforts should be made to encourage individual communities in establishing them, preferably at the project planning stage. Apart from the fact that communities would invariably take ownership and management of such water projects, they usually contribute in no small measure to the effectiveness and sustainability of such projects. A win-win situation where greenhorn service/aid providers gain experience for optimum service delivery in future water projects.
A lot could be learnt from the activities of UNICEF, the EU etc. currently intervening in water supply programs in many African countries.

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Victor Oke P.E., M.ASCE
Engr
FLOWVIC INTEGRATED RESOURCES LTD
Ado Ekiti
08 0337481 x68
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Hi Victor,
I think that you were commenting on the thread called "best practices for working in developing areas"?  I agree that the perspective of that thread (at least the part that I initiated) was from the US-based organization.  In one of my responses in that thread, I noted that a major goal was to act fraternally with peer institutions and local NGOs.  Most of my work is in Latin America and we frequently worked with local water "committees" sometimes called a COCODE.  I should have included the COCODEs in my earlier response!

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Curt Elmore Ph.D., P.E., F.EWRI, F.ASCE
elmoreac@...
(573) 341-6784
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-17-2017 19:43
From: Victor Oke
Subject: Water Management

The desirability of best practices in the execution and operations of water projects in developing countries has been largely underscored both by the writer/initiator of, and the various contributiors to the subject matter. However, I note that the subject as presented has been viewed through the prism of the service/aid providers only.
Probably we couldn't stretch the issue further by considering suggestions that could assist service providers with some 'best practices' for working on water supply projects in developing areas - from the perspective of the communities, the actual recipients and would-be beneficiaries of the water projects.
Isn't it preposterous?
Isn't it against the norms?
Drawing from my experience as a Community Water Coordinator in my hin Ekiti State, Nigeria, I've discovered that an effective approach is to work with and through community water associations (CWAs). Where none is in existence, efforts should be made to encourage individual communities in establishing them, preferably at the project planning stage. Apart from the fact that communities would invariably take ownership and management of such water projects, they usually contribute in no small measure to the effectiveness and sustainability of such projects. A win-win situation where greenhorn service/aid providers gain experience for optimum service delivery in future water projects.
A lot could be learnt from the activities of UNICEF, the EU etc. currently intervening in water supply programs in many African countries.

------------------------------
Victor Oke P.E., M.ASCE
Engr
FLOWVIC INTEGRATED RESOURCES LTD
Ado Ekiti
08 0337481 x68
------------------------------