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WASMO's strategy reflects the reforms in the drinking water supply sector. It believes that sustainability is possible if the systems created are demand-driven and community-owned, and people are appropriately empowered to manage them. For this, the creation or strengthening of village level institutions such as Pani Samitis is essential.
WASMO trains Pani Samiti members to effectively plan, implement and manage water supply systems, handle their finances, and spread awareness on personal hygiene and sanitation. It emphasises that women are made part of the entire process as they are the main users and managers of water in households and look after household hygiene.
The key ingredients of WASMO's strategy are:
- Empowerment and strengthening of village-level institutions
- Emphasis on surface water sources by capturing run-off rainwater to recharge groundwater, roof-top rain water harvesting, and by utilising the inter-basin transfer of water from water-surplus South Gujarat to water-deficient North Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch
- Building demand-driven, community-owned and decentralised local water supply and sanitation systems
- Sanitation campaigns in villages to promote hygiene and cleanliness, especially among schoolchildren
- Partnership with like-minded organisations at all levels
WASMO strives to be an open and inclusive organisation, building partnerships with civil society and pooling all available knowledge in order to reach its goals. It is eager to learn from various sources and to experiment with new ideas and innovations. While it is committed to local needs and aspirations, it is fully aware of global trends.
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