12.2.4 Communities

Communities undertaking WASH projects may contribute to construction, installation, or to operation and maintenance. The contribution may be in cash or ‘in kind’ (i.e. providing goods or services instead of money, for example by providing labour or materials (Figure 12.1). Cash contributions from a community will only be used for the specific WASH project being implemented in their village. The amount of contribution depends on the residents' capacity to pay. People who cannot afford to pay the amount in cash, will contribute materials or work as a daily labourer for the project.

Figure 12.1  Community members in Yiganda, Zegie, near Bahir Dar, excavate trenches as they prepare for water pipes to be laid.