 Policymakers in the region are more aware than ever of the economic, social, health and environmental benefits of adequate sanitation. Various efforts have been made to raise the political profile of sanitation, through a United Nations General Assembly resolution (No. 61/192) that declared 2008 the International Year of Sanitation, regional high-level sanitation conferences (SACOSAN and EASAN) and close monitoring of the related Millenium Development Goal targets. This improved understanding is also demonstrated by a wide array of institutional changes, undertaken during the past five years in countries that are lagging behind.
This reports presents the institutional progress made ini selected member countries towards achieving sanitation goals, as reported in an ESCAP-led survey. Institutional progress consists of changes in administrative, legal and financial rules and practices that have been made with sanitation goals in mind. It also includes the “slow-moving” institutions, which are social norms and practices, general awareness of the public and the ensuing demand for sanitation services.
In terms of administrative changes, the survey revealed that nine out of thirteen countries have created a sanitation coordination mechanism at the national level. Many governments have also undertaken legal reforms, integrating sanitation into existing development plans or introducing decentralization laws that pass authority for sanitation to local governments. Few countries, however, have taken the needed step of providing adequate financial resources to local authorities, so that they can start investing in their jurisdictions.
The role of the civil society was recognized as the most important driver of change. Community-based initiatives were also presented as major contributors to improvements in sanitation conditions.
In terms of future priorities, the consensus was that local governments should be entrusted with more financial responsibility and decision-making authority. In terms of covering the vast amounts needed for investments, household contributions were identified as the most viable solution. Integrating water supply and sanitation solutions is also a proven way of ensuring that households will pay for the service, since they tend to assign very high value to water access. Integrated water supply and sanitation infrastructure also has the benefit of eco-efficiency, as it locks-in water use patterns that respect the environment.
At the regional level, there is a need for more capacity building, not only to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation, but also to spread the knowledge on solutions that are cost-effective and sustainable.
The role of slow-moving institutions cannot be overemphasized. They definebehavioral changes on sanitation, encouraging civil-society mobilization and creating demand for a sanitation market. Awareness campaigns and inclusion of hygiene and sanitation in school curricula are among the most cost-effective and high-impact initiatives of governments.
Table of contents: Preface Acronyms and Abbreviations Executive Summary Introduction 1. Sanitation Context in Asia-Pacific 2. Turning Point: The International Year of Sanitation 3. Need for Change: Priorities for the Future 4. Conclusions Annexes
Annex 1: The Survey
Annex 2: Outcomes from Macao
Annex 3: Outcome from 2nd WASH Fair
Annex 4: Country Papers (UNICEF)
Annex 5: Sanitation and CSR List of References
Post Date : 13 Mei 2009
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