What roles are there for WASH sector players in WaterCredit programs?

WSH Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can play several important roles in WaterCredit programs:

1)  Technical Assistance. NGOs, which have developed local expertise in WSH technologies, resources, and activities, can help develop Microfinance Institutions’ (MFIs) capacities in these areas. Often, MFIs lack sufficient experience in the WSH space to create loan and savings products that most effectively respond to their clients’ needs.

2)  Community Mobilization and Education. WSH NGOs can help mobilize interest in WaterCredit programs by organizing community leaders and providing educational programs around the themes of water, sanitation, and hygiene.

3)  WSH Assessments. NGOs can help assess supply and demand characteristics of safe water and sanitation products in partnership with MFIs and local service providers. This includes evaluating the willingness of potential clients to contribute financial capital and physical labor to projects.

4)  Construction Facilitation. WSH NGOs can work with MFIs and borrowers to identify and secure effective construction services that enable a borrower to obtain a WSH improvement after a loan is disbursed.

5)  Institutional Strengthening. In cases where there is a networked service provider, WSH NGOs can engage these providers to ensure that customers receive effective levels of service and that the utilities are collecting appropriate user fees to operate and maintain the networks.