How Integrity Tools are Changing Rural Water Services in Bangladesh

Case Study

In rural Bangladesh, many communities face a familiar challenge: there is a basic water system but service falls short. Maintenance is neglected, influential individuals control systems for their personal benefit, and users have little say in how their water services are managed. Weak governance, poor management, and a lack of accountability are often hiding behind these operational problems.

Participant in the first IMT-SWSS workshop in Godagari placing input on integrity red flags on the community water system map (photo by DASCOH)

A new case study from DASCOH Foundation details how addressing integrity problems head-on can unlock better water services. Working in two schemes in Godagari, Rajshahi District, DASCOH implemented the Integrity Management Toolbox for Small Water Supply Systems (IMT-SWSS) a process for communities to strengthen their management committees and link to local duty bearers.

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A Community-Driven Process with Practical Tools

DASCOH and the communities used the IMT-SWSS to map their water systems, analyse stakeholders, identify root problems, and select integrity tools to address these problems. Crucially, communities decided their own priorities. DASCOH facilitated but didn't prescribe solutions.

The communities chose tools that appear straightforward but can make a big difference in terms of transparency, accountability, and integrity, with cascading effects. This includes simple bookkeeping systems, regular committee meetings with written resolutions, complaint mechanisms using mobile phones, bank accounts for safer money management. DASCOH and the communities also launched regular democratic dialogues where users can provide feedback, get information and even review financial records.

After year of implementation and despite political upheaval across Bangladesh, engagement with the community has dramatically increased participation of women in the committee itself and in meetings. Payments rates have increased, and local budgets have been adapted to include new allocations for water systems and maintenance.

Practical Lessons for Rural Water Programmes

The case study offers frank insights for practitioners. Engaging local government bodies from the outset proved essential. Addressing cultural barriers to women's participation required sustained commitment, not one-off interventions. Communities needed ongoing education about service provider responsibilities to build trust. And flexibility mattered—when water meter installation proved financially unfeasible, communities adapted their approach rather than abandoning their action plans. The full case study includes detailed descriptions of the preparation phase, planning workshops, stakeholder analysis, and implementation timelines.

Why This Matters Now

For programme officers and funders working in rural water, this case study demonstrates that integrity isn't a soft add-on to technical interventions. It is fundamental to whether systems actually deliver services. The IMT-SWSS provides a replicable process that communities can own, with tools adaptable to different contexts and resource constraints.

To learn more about the IMT-SWSS or discuss its application in your context, contact us.

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