Enhancing environmental health by mobilizing communities

Bangladesh, Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS)

The purpose of the project (EEHCO) is to empower Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in poor rural communities and to strengthen them to achieve sustainable improvements in their hygiene behaviour and a reduced exposure to risks related to water and environmental sanitation.

RDRS, a member of the ACT Alliance, recognizes that the creation of sustainable and safe access to water and sanitation has to go beyond just the installation of tube wells and latrines. The practice therefore reflects the crucial importance of ensuring lasting behaviour change and the continued maintenance and use of newly installed water and sanitation facilities through community participation and empowerment.

Besides engaging in service delivery, RDRS also highlights the importance of stimulating advocacy initiatives for improved water and sanitation services. RDRS therefore puts a strong emphasis on capacity-building of CBOs, e.g. by trainings on rooted advocacy, as well as training of Local Government Institutions (LGIs). Training to community based organizations (CBOs) on different issue like leadership, advocacy, management and negotiation skills enhance their capacity to identify, manage and mobilize resources effectively by their own. LGIs are oriented on how to better perform their roles and receive policy orientation and support for promoting best practices. Increased investment for water and environmental sanitation for the poor is promoted by building effective coordination among LGIs and Citizens Committees.

→ For more details, download the "Good Practice Questionnaire" that was submitted to the UN Independent Expert on human rights obligation related to water and sanitation in 2010.