Assessment of the Sustainability of Community Water and Sanitation Project

  • Engr Cresencio Jr Natividad, University of Saint Louis, Philippines

In improving the life of families in our community, various stakeholders like National Government Agencies and Institutions, Local Government Units, Villages Council, Non-Government Organizations, Community-based Organizations, Donors and Families are working together to implement a wide array of community programs and projects like Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Project.

The aim of the programs and projects is to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of families in the community. In attaining this, the programs and projects should have sustainability. It must meet the needs of our community while protecting the environment and natural resources which are essential for future generations. The objective of this paper is to identify various indicators and strategies on how to sustain a community programs and projects particularly WATSAN and assess the sustainability of a community water supply project located in a Philippine village. It also discusses the concept of community development approach and the strategies such as Family-Centered Programs, Participatory Process, Working with Groups, Advocacy and Linkaging and also the overview of the five stages of community development (Situation Analysis, Planning, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation).

Result shows that the water supply is sustainable, institutionally, technically and financially. It was concluded that since access to safe and sufficient water is now recognized as basic human rights, all stakeholders must have the commitment to attain sustainability indicators mentioned in the study. Actions are necessary for them to achieve their plans and targets which are necessary for us to contribute in the attainment of MDG target.