4.6 Basic Implementation Principles

In addition to the four Guiding Principles that have been described in the previous sections, the OWNP also has a set of Basic Implementation Principles for activities supported through the Consolidated WASH account. These principles are set out in the Programme Operational Manual (POM, 2014) and are described below:

1. Decentralisation: Decisions should be made locally rather than centralised at higher levels. This should ensure they are more in line with local needs and give the user communities responsibility for the management of WASH service provision.
2. Demand-responsive: User communities receive assistance in response to their demand for improved WASH services. They make informed choices on the technology options and service levels and demonstrate their readiness to participate, taking into consideration their own needs and ability to pay.
3. Consistency: The OWNP is to be consistent with the Ethiopian Water Resources Management Policy, Water Sector Strategy and Hygiene and Sanitation Strategy, as well as the national Growth and Transformation Plan.
4. Equity: OWNP addresses regional and social disparities in WASH coverage among and within regions, woredas and urban areas, prioritising underserved and unserved communities.
5. Cost recovery and the right to access: Access to water is a right, however it is also recognised as an economic good, and its service must be paid for.
6. Cost-effective design: The programme should avoid over-elaborate design in order to provide affordable and sustainable services, e.g. use appropriate WASH technologies that can be easily maintained.
7. Transparency: The programme includes promotional activities to ensure that its implementation processes are well understood by all stakeholders.
8. Gender: Activities and processes are designed to ensure participation by women in decision making and programme implementation.
9. Sustainability: services provided should be sustainable, i.e. easily operated and maintained at local level.
10. Stepped approach: Implementation is to follow a stepped approach, where towns, woredas and communities will obtain assistance based on their performance.
11. Participatory monitoring and evaluation: Monitoring and evaluation of agreed indicators is to be carried out in a participatory manner involving all stakeholders, with results shared so that the programme can be improved through feedback.

These principles provide a foundation for the organisation and implementation of the OWNP, as you will see in following study sessions.