SSH4A in Lao PDR
Strengthening local government and private sector capacities to adapt and integrate climate change resilience in inclusive area-wide rural WASH services and systems development
Lao PDR,
ongoing
Beyond the Finish Line - Sustainable Sanitation and Hygiene for All in Lao PDR is part of an ongoing multi-country programme partnership with the Government of Australia’s Water for Women Fund implemented by SNV with partners in Bhutan, Lao PDR, and Nepal.
The project builds on earlier SNV collaborative work with the governments of Australia and Lao PDR in the Savannakhet province, which resulted in more than 139,000 residents ending open defecation practice. In partnership with the district governments of Atsaphone, Champhone, and Phalanxay, UTS-ISF, and CBM Australia, the project contributes to,
the search for cost-effective natural and built water storage options to strengthen the resilience of communities’ WASH systems,
development of climate-resilient water safety plans, which promote the delivery of flood-resilient latrines to areas that are flood prone, and
further strengthen inclusive processes and support mechanisms that facilitate the meaningful engagement of people with disabilities in WASH programming.
Residents in front of their toilet show the level of flooding in their area, which can reach as high as two meters. When flooding occurs, toilets become unusable.
Priority areas for research, knowledge generation, and learning include, (1) exploring diverse cost models, planning, and budgeting methods to make climate-resilient WASH systems more affordable, (2) co-creating and piloting last-mile group-focused WASH programming, and (3) documenting experiences and lessons in promoting transformative leadership focused on gender-inclusive and climate-resilient WASH approaches.
