Improving governance in the water sector through social accountability, communication and transparency

Abstract

Network for Water and Sanitation (NETWAS, Uganda) in June 2008, with support from the World Bank Institute and in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment, Bukalasa Agricultural college which supplies the college and neighbouring homesteads with piped water, Wobulenzi Town Council which signed a contract with Trandit Limited a private company that supplies Wobulenzi core urban and a few peri urban wards, has been implementing a governance project. The aim of this project was to promote better governance in the water sector in Uganda by fostering transparency, social accountability and efficient communication activities. Two social accountability tools known as the Citizen’s Report Card (CRC) and the Community Score Card (CSC) have been used. A communication strategy was also developed to ensure better information flow between users and providers and other key stakeholders of the project, the process and the outcomes. This project engaged communities within the Town Council to work in partnership with the service providers to improve the quality of water service delivery. After two years of implementation what is clear is that social accountability works in improving water provision and improving relations among stakeholders.