In spite of recent progress, access to and utilisation of improved water sources and sanitation remains a priority in the region, especially in rural areas and for the poorest segments of the population.

Sustainable and equitable access to improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) precedes all human and economic development.  In fact, without it increased populations and economic growth thend to adversely affect the most vulnerable groups in society.  For example, children and women in particular are forced to forsake education and employement as they spend large parts of their days fetching water.  Economic development also suffers, as farmers and wage earners are less productive due to illness as a result of poor sanitaiton and hygiene practices.

Aligned with MDG 7, SNV aims to create additional service delivery capacity in state and non-state actors, improve sector coordination and accountability, while continuously promoting pro-poor and socially inclusive policy development.  SNV therefore not only aims to strengthen the capacity of individual organisation but also of sector networks through facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms and parternships for change.

The programme builds upon extensive expereience from SNV WaSH initiatives in Latin America, Africa and and South Asia.  For example, SNV can draw upon its 16 years of experience in conducting the "Comunity Water Supply and Sanitation Programme" in Nepal during the 80s and early 90s.  Therefore, SNV's history and acquired technical knowledge of past water and sanitation projects enables us to continue to make a sustainable and equitable impact upon the sector through proven organisational competencies and established links.