The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has been at the forefront of the West African Water Initiative (WAWI), contributing close to $24 million to support the project from 2002-2008. The initiative was a public-private partnership involving 14 strategic partners, and it generated more than $56 million in funds for three countries in West Africa: Ghana, Mali, and Niger.
Project objectives
- Provide access to safe water
- Reduce the incidence of water-related diseases including trachoma, guinea worm, and diarrheal
- Promote sustainable water management
- Support sustainable and viable partnerships among all of the implementing actors and the local communities
Successes
- Increased access to safe water — more than 100 existing water systems were repaired, more than 1,500 wells were drilled/rehabilitated in Ghana, Mali, and Niger, and more than 20 small water supply systems were constructed in Mali and Ghana
- Improved sanitation and hygiene facilities — 25,000 latrines were constructed in the three target countries
- Selective achievements in disease reduction in all three countries
- Progress in working towards sustainable water management — water and sanitation committees have been established in all rural communities, members have been trained in management of facilities, and funds for operation and maintenance are being raised
Challenges
- Obtaining accurate and relevant data to determine the impact of health and hygiene interventions on behavior
- Creating long-term partnerships with local governments is crucial for sustainability, yet also difficult in practice
- Need for better coordination of field activities among partners, along with clearly defined responsibilities
- Need for more equal and balanced funding among participating partners to improve project implementation and create a stronger partnership
