OST has been involved in WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) projects in Liberia, West Africa, for several years. Among other things, an OST team provided technical support for the construction of a water kiosk by the Schmerikon-based nongovernmental organization Bowier Trust Foundation Switzerland (BTFS). However, despite the great need for safe drinking water, water supply projects in underserved areas often struggle with long-term functionality and sustainability. This is also evident in the case of this water kiosk in the Rockhill community in Greater Monrovia, Liberia.
Involvement of Local Stakeholders
Julian Rieder, a student at ETH, investigated the reasons behind this in a study. He was supervised by Dr. Dorothee Spuhler of the IBU Institute for Civil and Environmental Engineering at OST and by Prof. Dr. Eva Lieberherr of ETH. The qualitative case study was conducted in close collaboration with the local community and key stakeholders and included interviews and field observations. The results highlight the central importance of involving local stakeholders, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and the enforcement of legal agreements for the sustainable operation of a water kiosk. The identified challenges and the resulting recommendations for action were also discussed and validated in a workshop with local experts, further strengthening their practical relevance.
The project’s findings are summarized in a policy brief. It contains well-founded recommendations for action as well as a context-sensitive analytical model designed to help decision-makers plan and operate water supply projects in a way that ensures long-term, secure access to drinking water.