Our Implementation  Model: Tried, Tested and Sustainable

Over the years we have piloted and refined an implementation approach based on a number of sound principles. This has become known as the CBO Implementation Model. This model focuses on a community management approach where a local water committee fulfills the role of project manager and the main contractor in the implementation of a water project.

 Our approach to project implementation ensures:

• A thorough feasibility study including technical, social, institutional and financial assessments to ensure the overall viability of proposed projects
• Participatory project planning, where all stakeholders (in particular local government and community representatives) participate in key decisions. Decision making is focused on who the legal water services provider (WSP) will be, level of service, technology choice, roles and responsibilities of roleplayers and the setting of an affordable water tariff
• A holistic project design that addresses all components necessary of sustainability including community needs, appropriate technology choice, health and hygiene practices, institutional capacity building, cost recovery and effective operations and maintenance.
• A construction phase that focuses on community awareness, local capacity building to manage water and sanitation services, entrepreneurial skills development, and use of local labour.

An operations and maintenance (O&M) mentoring phase where Mvula ensures:

1. The WSP has the necessary capacity to effectively fulfill its functions of O&M, billing and revenue collection, customer relations and monitoring and reporting
2. Support mechanisms are in place
3. Health and hygiene promotion continues within the community
4. Development of partnerships between local government, the community  and water services institutions
5. A monitoring and evaluation phase where information is used to take any corrective action needed.