FREE ONLINE COURSE Introductory level. Self-paced course in Spanish (3 modules, about 12 hours). Open. Register here. An examination of how water and sanitation utilities in Latin America can effectively manage the integrity risks that jeopardise their work and impact. This course provides an overview of practical strategies and tools to promote ethical and transparent management within utilities and thus improve performance and service delivery. Participants explore different integrity dilemmas that may arise in their daily work and the ways to deal with them. They learn directly from the experiences of peers in Latin America and other regions to improve integrity practices. Course outline: Module 1: Integrity risks in water and sanitation utilities Module 2: Strategies and tools to initiate and strengthen integrity processes Module 3: The integrity dilemmas water and sanitation service providers face Who is this course for? Decision-makers in water and sanitation utilities in Latin America who want to initiate or strengthen integrity processes in their organization. Water and sanitation professionals interested in applying integrity management processes within utility companies. Language Spanish

An examination of water governance and regulatory challenges in England and Wales related to financialisation in the water and sanitation sectors. Most water companies in England and Wales have transitioned to ownership by private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds. This shift has allowed for complex financial practices and financial extraction. Regulation has been relatively slow to respond. This working paper takes the integrity perspective and looks at transparency, power dynamics, and capacity issues driving the situation. The England and Wales water sector faces an intractable set of problems. Huge investment is needed at a time when interest rates and inflation have increased and some firms are under financial pressure of high debts. People are struggling to pay bills with an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and public trust in the water companies is at an all-time low. The situation in the water sector in England and Wales is described by economist Dieter Helm as one of “spectacular regulatory failure”, none of which was inevitable (Plimmer, 2023c). It is unclear how this can all be reconciled within the current structure. Share your feedback here. WORKING PAPER By: Kate Bayliss (SOAS) and Mary Galvin (Water Integrity Network) Published: September 2024 DOWNLOAD (pdf)

Just as the world is aligning around a core set of ideas about how to tackle water and sanitation, the Gates foundation has decided to bet the farm on technology. Not only is this pivot wrongheaded, the way it has been implemented is less than respectful of its partners. Over the past decade there has been an emerging consensus that the solution to the water and sanitation crisis lies in the spheres of politics, governance, economics and planning and not solely (or even mostly) technology. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) has been a major contributor to this movement, notably through its support of City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS). Why then, just as the movement the foundation is part of is gaining traction, has it turned back on itself – doubling down on its commitment to technology and signalling its intention to abandon its more systems-focused work? --- A shift in strategy that ignores best practice and leaves the poor behind Back in February we started to hear rumours about a dismaying message being circulated to the BMGF sanitation grantees. Announcing the departure of longstanding head of the programme, Brian Arbogast, it also signalled a strategic pivot - refocusing the foundation's sanitation portfolio on bringing to market technologies developed in their “reinventing the toilet” work. Nothing particularly wrong with that. But. Since dipping their toes in the water and sanitation world back in 2007, the foundation has come to wield an outsize influence on the sector. In this way it has brought welcome investment to a much-neglected area.Thanks to the Gates Foundation’s efforts, "non-sewered" sanitation is now seen as a viable, environmentally friendly option in many parts of the world, rather than just a temporary step towards sewer systems. The reinvented toilets that BMGF grantees have been working on are an important part of this shift. That said, the pivot has a deeply negative downside in that, even as they double down on technical innovation, the foundation is walking away from work related to sanitation systems , work they played a major role in championing – particularly City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS). The timing of this decision is also surprising. The world is just coming to accept that, while technology has an important role to play in water and sanitation, water and sanitation are not fundamentally technological sectors. Just then, the foundation decides to focus on technology and bringing technology to market. A market that is, at best, embryonic (indeed an important part of CWIS is market development!). The world is littered with infrastructure that fails to work within a matter of years. This is largely due to institutional and governance failures, as well as lack of participation and inadequate capacity building. Technology alone has been tried before. Now, the strategic move will have severe negative consequences for the organisations that have relied on Gates funding to drive crucial systems work forward. Most worryingly, it will have grave consequences for the recipients of the work, particularly the poorest and most marginalised communities. --- Undermining past progress and future governance work The message announcing the changes made the point that “ innovative technology development and delivery is what originally drew the foundation to the sector ”. This is partly, but only partly true. A decade ago, for the first “landscaping” studies of the foundation, it was clear that technology development was not the only (or main) challenge facing the sector. Indeed, some of the foundation’s biggest early bets (including their generous funding of IRC) were based on “systems” work. What is more, even since the "reinventing the toilet" work started, the foundation has steadily done more and more work on the system side of things (including CWIS), precisely because the demands and markets for the reinvented toilets did not, of themselves, exist. It would appear that part of the thinking is that the foundation can focus on the technical work and others will fund the "softer" stuff. This sends a disturbing message – that one of the biggest and most powerful funders of the sector sees governance and the tough, system, capacity strengthening, and institutional work as being of secondary importance. What does this mean for sanitation policy down the line? --- Abrupt rupture with partners There’s a second part of the decision that is also disturbing: the way it is being implemented. Despite the message announcing the change committing to a “respectful and thoughtful transition” with existing grantees, word on the street is that this is not quite how things are going in practice. Nor did the decision itself come out of dialogue with partners - more like a bolt from the blue. Organisations, like ours, that rely on philanthropy to do our work have no right to expect unending flows. Our donors have a right to change their strategies. Of course. That said, there is a growing body of accepted good practice as to how philanthropies can do this. One that acknowledges the power of their money over their recipients and that puts genuine value behind concepts like dialogue and partnership. Part of that includes communicating strategy shifts clearly and well in advance. This was, sadly, not the case this time. We believe a major organisation like the Gates Foundation can, and should, do better. In the end, it’s the foundation’s money and how they spend it is unarguably their business! Even if how they plan to spend it will undermine the progress they, and the sector, have been making over the last decade. The impact for the 1.5 billion people who still do not have access to a decent sanitation service is dramatic. By Barbara Schreiner, Executive Director, Water Integrity Network Patrick Moriarty, CEO, IRC With: Cántaro Azul DORP End Water Poverty Redes del Agua Latinoamérica Zobair Hasan, Chief REM, DORP Herbert Kashililah, Chair, Shahidi Wa Maji Timothy Kpeh, United Youth, Liberia Sareen Malik, Executive Secretary, ANEW Jane Nabunnya, Country Director, IRC Uganda Dr. Fermín Reygadas Robles Gil, Director General, Cántaro Azul Nathalie Seguin, Global Coordinator, End Water Poverty Photo: Everett Bartels  on Unsplash   Disclaimer: At WIN we value honest and open discussion. We are a multi-stakeholder network and our site brings together perspectives from across the board. Not all views expressed here reflect official policies .

An integrity talk between water and sanitation regulators from Eastern and Southern Africa and Latin America Regulation plays a critical role in ensuring that water and sanitation services are delivered to all in a manner that is equitable, efficient, inclusive, and sustainable. Water and sanitation sector regulators hold service providers accountable and coordinate interactions between policymakers, service providers, and users. They also face a broad range of integrity and corruption-related risks, both internal to their organisations or in the entities that they regulate. A response requires regulation for integrity and regulation with integrity. Regulating for integrity means establishing regulations that ensure honesty, transparency, accountability, participation, and ethical behaviour in regulated entities . Regulating with integrity focuses on how regulatory bodies themselves operate , ensuring they embody the same standards of transparency and accountability that they promote. This is a summary of an Integrity Talk, organised with the Eastern and Southern Africa Water and Sanitation Regulators Association (ESAWAS) on October 23, 2024, looking at these emerging aspects of regulation with a focus on Eastern and Southern Africa and Latin America. With special guests: Robert Gakubia, Supervisory Board Member of WIN and former CEO of WASREB (Kenya) Yvonne Magawa, Executive Secretary of ESAWAS Chola Mbilima, Senior Financial and Commercial Inspector of NWASCO (Zambia) Diego Polanía, former Executive Director CRA (Colombia) José Miguel Kobashikawa Maekawa (Director of Audit Authority, SUNASS (Peru) Moderated by Kelly Acuña, Water Integrity Network (WIN). --- Key takeaways for water and sanitation sector regulators Water and sanitation sector regulators set the tone for integrity : The commitment of regulatory bodies to accountability, transparency and ethical practices directly impacts sector-wide integrity. When regulators lead by example, service providers are more likely to align with integrity standards, fostering trust across the sector. Clear accountability frameworks build public trust : Effective regulatory frameworks require clear responsibilities and well-defined accountability mechanisms: from clear and monitored performance objectives, to enforced measures addressing deviations or ensuring compliance. User engagement ensures equitable service delivery : Involving users in decision-making processes contributes to fairer, more effective services in response to genuine needs. --- A culture of integrity for the sector, for trust and sustainability Robert Gakubia: Accountability frameworks are essential to aligning the interests of service providers with the public good. For example, through clear performance objectives and rigorous monitoring, water and sanitation sector regulators can ensure that the resources dedicated to water and sanitation are used effectively and equitably, rather than lost to inefficiencies or misuse. Beyond these measures, integrity requires proactive engagement and collaboration with both service providers and the communities they serve. By actively engaging communities in the regulatory process, regulators can ensure that the needs of the public are directly represented and addressed. This engagement is key to maintaining accountability, as it encourages providers to act in ways that genuinely reflect community interests and discourages behaviour that could undermine public confidence in the system. Yvonne Magawa : Regulating for integrity in water and sanitation means that we are not just telling providers what to do but ensuring they are equipped and motivated to do so in ways that build public trust. This approach also requires a commitment to engaging users in the regulatory process, providing them with channels for participation and feedback. Ultimately, regulating for integrity fosters a culture of honesty and responsibility that protects essential services from corruption and mismanagement, ensuring they reach those most in need. Regulating with integrity, on the other hand, focuses on how regulatory bodies operate within their own organizations, ensuring they embody the same standards of transparency and accountability they promote. By fostering integrity, we create an environment where water and sanitation service providers and communities alike can rely on the regulatory system. This trust hinges on regulators having the independence and authority to implement and enforce integrity measures that safeguard against corruption and ensure service quality. For instance, by enforcing policies that require clear documentation, transparent data management, and public reporting, regulators can help build an ecosystem where transparency is the norm. “Regulators serve as the foundation upon which trust in the sector is built” -Yvonne Magawa (ESAWAS) José Kobashikawa: Water and sanitation sector egulators must prioritise transparency in our own decision-making processes and ensure accountability to stakeholders, including service providers, policymakers, and the public. It’s all about creating a regulatory culture where integrity is central, not just in policy but in every aspect of operations. This includes clear accountability for regulatory decisions and robust safeguards against conflicts of interest, which not only enhances trust but also ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of the public. Diego Polanía: Regulators must set an example by upholding the highest standards internally, which in turn reinforces their credibility when enforcing integrity in the water and sanitation sectors. “If we, as regulators, do not model integrity, it undermines our authority and the very standards we seek to uphold” –Diego Polanía (CRA) Chola Mbilima: It is important that regulatory frameworks not only address present needs but are adaptable to future challenges. As water and sanitation demands grow, so too must the systems that ensure their equitable and ethical delivery. Regulators have a responsibility to stay ahead of sector changes, developing flexible integrity frameworks that continue to uphold ethical standards even as the sector evolves. --- Examples of regulation for integrity – Kenya, Peru, and Colombia Robert Gakubia: In Kenya, the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) has established performance-monitoring systems to hold service providers accountable. Clear performance indicators and public reporting requirements have improved transparency, enabling both the public and regulatory bodies to monitor service quality and resource use. These frameworks align provider incentives with public interests, showing that integrity measures are about compliance and creating value for communities. José Kobashikawa: In Peru, the national sanitation regulator (SUNASS), addresses water affordability and accessibility through community engagement and strict anti-corruption measures. Involving local communities in decision-making has been key to SUNASS’s success. By integrating public consultations and transparency in data sharing, SUNASS has been able to tailor services more effectively to meet community needs while reinforcing trust. “We actively listen to communities, which helps in identifying and addressing integrity risks early on. Meaningful engagement fosters public ownership and reduces risks of corruption” –José Kobashikawa Diego Polanía: The Water and Basic Sanitation Regulatory Commission of Colombia (CRA) has incorporated financial and operational audits. These audits are designed to detect mismanagement and to build a framework for continuous improvement. However, audits do more than ensuring compliance with the law, they also identify areas for improvement to strengthen management. --- Challenges for integrity-focused regulation, and how to address them Chola Mbilima: One of our major challenges is limited resources of regulatory bodies. Many regulators operate with constrained budgets and staff shortages, making it difficult to maintain rigorous oversight. This can hinder implementation and enforcement of integrity measures, especially in regions where the demand for water and sanitation services is rapidly increasing. Partnerships with local and international organisations can alleviate some of these constraints with technical support and expertise, but challenges remain. Yvonne Magawa: Another significant challenge is the resistance to change among service providers and, in some cases, within regulatory organisations themselves. Integrating accountability and transparency measures requires a shift in practices and culture, which can be met with reluctance or even opposition. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity here for education and capacity-building, for example, by providing training sessions on integrity and ethics. This can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among service providers. Building these skills helps create a culture where all parties are invested in upholding integrity. Robert Gakubia: It is difficult to combat corruption, particularly in regions with a history of governance issues. While this challenge can seem overwhelming, it also presents a critical opportunity for transparency initiatives and community engagement. By establishing mechanisms that allow the public to report issues and access information, regulators can create an environment where corruption is more easily detected and addressed. The public is an invaluable ally in maintaining accountability and accessible reporting channels empower communities to take an active role in ensuring integrity. Diego Polanía: There are many regulators that have implemented adequate internal processes that strength transparency and prevent malpractices. The challenge is that these processes are not visible to the public. Regulators can do more to make information easily accessible to the public by creating platforms and spaces to showcase what regulators are doing and generate trust (e.g, updated websites, periodical reports, public consultations, etc.).

Una conversación entre reguladores de agua y saneamiento de África Oriental y Meridional y América Latina La regulación desempeña un papel crucial para garantizar que los servicios de agua y saneamiento se brinden a todos de manera equitativa, eficiente, inclusiva y sostenible. Los reguladores son responsables de exigir cuentas a los proveedores de servicios y de coordinar las interacciones entre los responsables políticos, los proveedores de servicios y los usuarios. Sin embargo, los reguladores también enfrentan una amplia gama de riesgos relacionados con la integridad y la corrupción, tanto internos en sus organizaciones como en las entidades que regulan. Una respuesta eficaz requiere regular para la integridad y regular con integridad. Regular para la integridad significa establecer normas que garanticen honestidad, transparencia, rendición de cuentas, participación y comportamiento ético en las entidades reguladas. Regular con integridad se centra en el funcionamiento interno de los organismos reguladores , asegurando que ellos mismos encarnen los mismos estándares de transparencia y rendición de cuentas que promueven. Este es un resumen de una Charla de Integridad, organizada en colaboración con la Asociación de Reguladores de Agua y Saneamiento de África Oriental y Meridional (ESAWAS , por sus siglas en inglés), el 23 de octubre de 2024, en la que se abordaron estos aspectos emergentes de la regulación con un enfoque en África Oriental y Meridional y América Latina. Invitados especiales: Robert Gakubia, miembro de la Junta Supervisora de WIN y exdirector ejecutivo de WASREB (Kenya), Yvonne Magawa, Secretaria Ejecutiva de ESAWAS, Chola Mbilima, Inspectora Financiera y Comercial de NWASCO (Zambia), Diego Polanía, exdirector ejecutivo de CRA (Colombia), y José Miguel Kobashikawa Maekawa, Director de la Autoridad de Auditoría de SUNASS (Peru). Moderadora: Kelly Acuña, Red de Integridad del Agua (WIN). --- Conclusiones clave Los reguladores marcan la pauta para la integridad: El compromiso de los organismos reguladores con la rendición de cuentas, la transparencia y las prácticas éticas tiene un impacto directo en la integridad de todo el sector. Cuando los reguladores lideran con el ejemplo, los proveedores de servicios tienden a alinearse con los estándares de integridad, fomentando la confianza en todo el sector. Los marcos claros de rendición de cuentas generan confianza pública : Los marcos regulatorios efectivos requieren responsabilidades claras y mecanismos bien definidos de rendición de cuentas, que incluyan objetivos de desempeño monitoreados y medidas aplicadas para abordar desviaciones o garantizar el cumplimiento. La participación de los usuarios asegura una prestación de servicios equitativa: Involucrar a los usuarios en los procesos de toma de decisiones contribuye a entregar un servicio más justo y efectivo, respondiendo a necesidades reales. --- Una cultura de integridad en el sector para la confianza y la sostenibilidad Robert Gakubia: Contar con un marco de rendición de cuentas es esencial para alinear los intereses de los proveedores de servicios con el bien público. Por ejemplo, mediante objetivos claros de desempeño y un monitoreo riguroso, los reguladores pueden garantizar que los recursos destinados al agua y al saneamiento se utilicen de manera efectiva y equitativa, evitando ineficiencias o mal uso. Más allá de estas medidas, la integridad requiere un compromiso proactivo con los proveedores de servicios y las comunidades a las que sirven. Al involucrar activamente a las comunidades en el proceso regulatorio, los reguladores aseguran que las necesidades de los usuarios sean directamente representadas y atendidas, fomentando la confianza pública y la rendición de cuentas. Yvonne Magawa : Regular para la integridad significa no solo decir a los proveedores qué hacer, sino también asegurarse de que estén capacitados y motivados para actuar de manera que se genere confianza. Esto requiere un compromiso con la participación de los usuarios, proporcionando canales para su involucramiento y retroalimentación. Regular con integridad, por otro lado, se enfoca en el funcionamiento interno de los organismos reguladores, asegurando que cumplan los mismos estándares de transparencia y responsabilidad que promueven. “Los reguladores son la base sobre la cual se construye la confianza en el sector” -Yvonne Magawa (ESAWAS) José Kobashikawa: La transparencia en los procesos de toma de decisiones y la rendición de cuentas hacia las partes interesadas son esenciales. Crear una cultura regulatoria centrada en la integridad no solo mejora la confianza, sino que asegura que las decisiones se tomen en base al interés público. Diego Polanía: Los reguladores deben dar el ejemplo manteniendo internamente los más altos estándares, reforzando así su credibilidad al promover la integridad en los sectores de agua y saneamiento. “Si nosotros, como reguladores, no damos el ejemplo con respecto a la integridad, socavamos nuestra autoridad y los estándares que buscamos defender” –Diego Polanía (CRA) Chola Mbilima: Es importante que los marcos regulatorios no solo respondan a las necesidades actuales, sino que sean adaptables a los desafíos futuros. A medida que aumentan las demandas de agua y saneamiento, también deben crecer los sistemas que aseguren una prestación equitativa y ética de estos servicios. Los reguladores tienen la responsabilidad de anticiparse a los cambios en el sector, desarrollando marcos de integridad flexibles que sigan manteniendo los estándares éticos incluso cuando el sector evoluciona. --- Ejemplos de regulación para la integridad – Kenia, Perú y Colombia Robert Gakubia: En Kenia, el Consejo Regulador de los Servicios de Agua (WASREB) ha establecido sistemas de monitoreo de desempeño para responsabilizar a los proveedores de servicios. Indicadores claros de desempeño y requisitos de informes públicos han mejorado la transparencia, permitiendo tanto al público como a los organismos reguladores supervisar la calidad del servicio y el uso de los recursos. Estos marcos alinean los incentivos de los proveedores con los intereses públicos, demostrando que las medidas de integridad no solo tratan de cumplimiento, sino también de generar valor para las comunidades. José Kobashikawa: En Perú, el regulador nacional de saneamiento (SUNASS) aborda la asequibilidad y accesibilidad del agua mediante la participación comunitaria y estrictas medidas anticorrupción. Involucrar a las comunidades locales en la toma de decisiones ha sido clave para el éxito de SUNASS. Al integrar consultas públicas y promover la transparencia en el intercambio de datos, SUNASS ha podido adaptar los servicios de manera más efectiva para satisfacer las necesidades de las personas mientras refuerza la confianza. “Escuchamos activamente a las comunidades, lo que ayuda a identificar y abordar los riesgos de integridad desde una etapa temprana. Una participación significativa fomenta la apropiación pública y reduce los riesgos de corrupción” –José Kobashikawa Diego Polanía: La Comisión de Regulación de Agua Potable y Saneamiento Básico de Colombia (CRA) ha incorporado auditorías financieras y operativas. Estas auditorías están diseñadas para detectar malos manejos y construir un marco para la mejora continua. Sin embargo, las auditorías no solo garantizan el cumplimiento de la ley, sino que también identifican áreas de mejora para fortalecer la gestión. --- Desafíos para una regulación centrada en la integridad y cómo abordarlos Chola Mbilima: Uno de nuestros principales desafíos son los recursos limitados de los organismos reguladores. Muchos reguladores operan con presupuestos ajustados y escasez de personal, lo que dificulta mantener una supervisión rigurosa. Esto puede obstaculizar la implementación y aplicación de medidas de integridad, especialmente en regiones donde la demanda de servicios de agua y saneamiento está aumentando rápidamente. Las asociaciones con organizaciones locales e internacionales pueden aliviar algunas de estas limitaciones mediante apoyo técnico y experiencia, pero los desafíos persisten. Yvonne Magawa: Otro desafío importante es la resistencia al cambio entre los proveedores de servicios y, en algunos casos, dentro de las propias organizaciones reguladoras. Integrar medidas de rendición de cuentas y transparencia requiere un cambio en las prácticas y la cultura, lo cual puede enfrentarse con reticencia o incluso oposición. Sin embargo, aquí existe una oportunidad para la educación y la capacitación, por ejemplo, ofreciendo sesiones de formación sobre integridad y ética. Esto puede fomentar un sentido de apropiación y responsabilidad entre los proveedores de servicios. Desarrollar estas habilidades ayuda a crear una cultura en la que todas las partes estén comprometidas con mantener la integridad. Robert Gakubia: Es difícil combatir la corrupción, particularmente en regiones con un historial de problemas de gobernanza. Aunque este desafío puede parecer abrumador, también presenta una oportunidad crítica para iniciativas de transparencia y participación comunitaria. Estableciendo mecanismos que permitan a los usuarios informar problemas y acceder a información, los reguladores pueden crear un entorno donde la corrupción sea más fácilmente detectada y abordada. Los usuarios son un aliado invaluable en el mantenimiento de la rendición de cuentas, y los canales accesibles de denuncia empoderan a las personas para tomar un papel activo en asegurar la integridad. Diego Polanía: Muchos reguladores han implementado procesos internos adecuados que fortalecen la transparencia y previenen malas prácticas. El desafío es que estos procesos no son visibles para la gente. Los reguladores pueden hacer más para que la información sea fácilmente accesible, creando plataformas y espacios que muestren lo que están haciendo y generen confianza (por ejemplo, sitios web actualizados, informes periódicos, consultas públicas, etc.).

New free short course on the human rights to water and sanitation in informal settlements, and a new way of looking at Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in WASH Access to clean water and sanitation are fundamental human rights, yet for many living in informal settlements (sometimes referred to as slums, or low-income areas), these essential services remain out of reach. Vulnerable groups, particularly women, face significant barriers due to discrimination and corruption. In informal settlements, prejudice, technical challenges, climate change, and unclear mandates often compound the issues. This can open the door to water cartels or mafias. It is a source of water insecurity for many cities.  The new online course, Integrity in Informal Settlements: Securing the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation , addresses these critical issues and promotes integrity as a means to change the situation in informal settlements. It aims to help understand risks driving inadequate service and to find new ways to provide decent services to all, including in informal and low-income areas. It draws on good practices from Peru, South Africa, Kenya and more. The high impact of poor integrity and corruption in informal settlements, including sextortion Vulnerable people bear the brunt of integrity failures and corruption in the water sector. People living in informal settlements often pay significantly more for water than neighbours in wealthier areas. Their water is often of dubious quality as no checks or standards are in place for their (often informal) service providers. Residents of low-income areas also face high risks of extortion and petty corruption – for help with access, a better meter reading, or other favours. There are also issues of poor bad planning, poor data, conflict of interest and predatory behaviour. Sextortion, where a sexual act is extorted as a bribe instead of money, is not uncommon. Poverty, water insecurity, low literacy, prejudice and difficult relationships with law enforcement, all drive risk for sextortion. In informal settlements, risks are therefore high. What this means overall is that ordinary people lose out, with their health, time, and livelihoods. A water integrity approach focuses on understanding these specific risks and tackling them directly instead of ignoring them. It is a crucial element of good governance and an important component of service delivery programmes and of policy to achieve the SDGs. About the course Integrity in Informal Settlements: Securing the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation focuses on the intersection of corruption, integrity, and service delivery in informal settlements. The course covers: Manifestations of integrity failures: Analyse factors influencing water and sanitation services in informal settlements. Examine the impact of poor integrity in informal settlements and test your knowledge on service provision dynamics. Equal rights and clear responsibilities: Explore equity in service delivery, focusing on ensuring equal access to water and sanitation. Strengthening integrity: Explore strategies to enhance integrity and address corruption, promoting the human rights to water and sanitation. Learn about the TAPA framework (Transparency, Accountability, Participation, and Anti-corruption) and its role in addressing corruption. What you'll gain This comprehensive course blends readings, case studies, videos, discussions, and quizzes. Participants, including policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and students, will gain: Insights into diverse perspectives and potential solutions. Practical skills for combating corruption and promoting integrity. Join us By addressing discrimination and corruption in water and sanitation service delivery, and promoting gender equality and social inclusion, we pave the way for fair access and the realisation of human rights to water and sanitation obligations. Join us in building a future where water and sanitation are truly accessible to everyone. The short course is online for free in English and Spanish. It is offered in partnership with Cap-Net and SIWI.

Water crisis is not just a result of lack of water Photo - VictorHugoGaribay - IStock Photos A long-read by Kelly Acuña and Rebecca Sands, Water Integrity Network - Programme Leads. Greater Mexico City, home to nearly 23 million people, is in the throes of a severe water crisis. 84% of the country’s territory is currently grappling with some degree of drought, with 100% of Mexico City experiencing severe drought as of May 15, 2024 . The prolonged drought and unprecedented temperatures are prompting fears of an impending "Day Zero" scenario. The impact of climate change on water and sanitation service delivery is tremendous and cannot be underestimated. However, a lack of water is not solely to blame for the water crisis in Mexico City . With claims of severe mismanagement and warnings by residents and officials alike that have gone neglected for the better part of a decade, we must examine the degree to which weak integrity is contributing to the dire situation for many. Mismanagement and weak controls: exacerbating the strain on already limited resources Mexico City's historical abundance of rainfall once provided ample water for its residents, but urbanization has transformed its landscape into concrete and steel. Unmanageable growth and the depletion of green areas, needed for replenishing aquifers, is aggravating water scarcity. One important reason for this is the expansion of “ carteles inmobiliarios ”, or real estate cartels, many of whom obtain construction permits from the city government indiscriminately or illegally, leaving behind social and environmental damage. Water provision in Mexico City has necessitated complex and costly engineering solutions. The city now relies heavily on aquifers hundreds of meters underground or water sourced from over 100 kilometers away via the Cutzamala reservoir system . Excessive groundwater extraction is causing the city to sink and Mexico City's approach has become unsustainable, inefficient, and financially burdensome. The issues are compounded by unregulated extraction practices . Even where entities have the permits to drill new wells, there is little to no abstraction control, which often results in water users exceeding the extraction limits. Moreover, mismanagement of water resources and the inadequate maintenance of water infrastructure has led to very high water losses (40%), attributable in part to both deteriorating pipes and illegal connections . Corruption has an intricate relationship with non-revenue water , as it hampers oversight, weakens institutional capacity to address the issue, contributes to poor quality infrastructure, and diverts funds needed for essential maintenance, upgrades and monitoring. Inequality of access, water theft and misappropriation When so many residents of the city already face significant restrictions and water poverty , a 40% loss of water is maddening. The impacts of water stress in Mexico City are highly unequal and particularly severe in low-income, peri-urban neighbourhoods. While wealthier areas of the city seem largely unaffected, water cuts have grown more extreme for the city’s underserved or areas with high level of social marginalization. In some communities, it is not uncommon for residents to go without running water for months –a regular occurrence even before the current crisis began. On top of this, due to poor access or no piped infrastructure at all, residents living in low-income areas must often resort to different means to secure just enough water to get by: a community faucet, a well, the purchasing of bottled water, or water truck delivery. Water quality is often suboptimal, the daily search -often assigned to women or female heads-of households- is time consuming and exhausting, and the costs are high. Water truck delivery is up to 14 times more expensive than regular water service from the public network. “Poor water management in the city has increased burdens on women who are heads of households, thus reducing their financial and time resources to access equal job, educational, and social opportunities. Additionally, the unreliability of water services has disproportionately affected historically marginalized communities, turning the water crisis into a social issue.” -Tamara Luengo, Aqueducto Water theft is also a major issue There are thieves that tap pipelines and illegally sell back water to vulnerable water users for an inflated cost. Stealing water to sell illegally, or ‘huachicoleo’, is increasingly profitable  as the city’s delivery system becomes more unreliable. The current concession system appears to give preferential treatment to private companies who use billions of litres of water per year -often exceeding what is allowed with impunity. There is often inaccurate data on water use and payment and continued commercialization of water sourced from non-complying water permits. All this, while wealthy Mexicans allegedly continue to fill artificial lakes for aesthetic purposes and high-end tourist resorts use the resource at alarming rates . And it is not just Mexico City’s residents who are suffering. Communities outside of the city who once had plentiful lakes to fish in and source their daily water have seen these disappear. Today, on the shores of their dry lakebeds, wells are being installed to extract groundwater and pump it all the way to the capital . Lack of transparency Another major issue highlighted by residents and experts alike is the lack of transparency about the real situation of the Cutzamala system. In early 2024, the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data (INAI) requested the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) to report on the hydraulic infrastructure that currently connects the country's dams with towns, cities, municipalities, states or any other destination. CONAGUA allegedly did not forward the request for information to all of its competent administrative units and there is uncertainty whether CONAGUA provided all the information available. INAI determined that CONAGUA did not comply with the search procedure established by the Federal Law of Transparency and Access to Public Information and called into question CONAGUA’s ability to monitor the exploitation of water resources across the country. Given that CONAGUA itself has often referred to the complexities and deficiencies of water resources across the country, INAI has reaffirmed that access to this information is all the more important in order to understand possible lines of action in the event of shortages . “ The information that is generated around the issue of water is of utmost relevance to decision-making and also to the generation of public policies to guarantee the human right that every person has to access information related to the provision and sanitation of water for personal and domestic consumption, which must be sufficient, healthy, acceptable and affordable ,” warned the INAI through commissioner Josefina Román Vergara (translated from Spanish). There is also lack of transparency on water quality throughout the city, as exemplified by the recent case of water contamination in the district of Benito Juárez. In early April, more than 400 people complained about the quality of their water . After testing water samples, the Mexico City water supplier (SACMEX) initially determined that the water was of good quality. However, they subsequently advised residents of the area not to drink or bathe with it. No information was provided on the source of possible contamination nor potential health risks. Further, on April 29, SACMEX made the decision to keep the laboratory results confidential for the next three years so that they are not “erroneously interpreted”. This appears to be a clear violation of the human right to access information, recognised in the constitution itself. Politicization in the face of low accountability The city's water crisis has arrived alongside a crucial moment: the Mexican general election is slated for June 2, 2024. For voters, the crisis cannot be ignored. In February, for the first time, water scarcity surpassed security as the main concern of Mexico City's residents, with the percentage of voters flagging the issue more than tripling from last May, according to the research firm Aragon . An activist protests Mexico's water legislation outside the National Water Commission offices in Mexico City on World Water Day, March 23, 2023. Her sign reads: "It's not drought, it's plunder. No to the privatization of water." Cody Copeland for Courthouse News For Raúl Rodríguez Márquez, president of the Water Advisory Council (a CSO dedicated to convening different stakeholders around water challenges in Mexico), the most serious issue is that the problem is not being adequately recognized. “ They say that to solve a problem the first thing you have to do is recognize it, and we believe that the authorities still do not see this as a serious problem ,” he explained to reporters at CNN . The lack of recognition of the problem and concerns of residents, by relevant authorities and decision-makers, is weakening accountability. In this setting, the crisis is being politicized by incumbents and challengers alike. Despite CONAGUA appearing unable to provide documentation on the country’s water infrastructure and dam connections to inform possible plans of action, it assured BBC Mundo that a potential “Day Zero” date of June 26 is a misinterpretation of different scenarios. In recent months, CONAGUA has since declined multiple interview requests and will not answer specific questions on the prospect of such a scenario. Current officeholders are also downplaying the issue. In a press conference on February 14 , Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said that work was underway to address the water problems. The specifics of such work were not clarified. Meanwhile, Mexico City’s mayor, Martí Batres Guadarrama, said in a recent press conference that reports of day zero were “fake news” , spread by political opponents. Conversely, the opposition is seizing on the crisis to stoke voters’ fears about water security. In early 2024, opposition presidential candidate Xóchitl Gálvez stated in multiple interviews that even in April there could be limited availability to pump water to the city . This prediction has not materialized. Further muddying the waters, José Luis Luege, the former head of CONAGUA, is a part of Gálvez’s campaign team. Lastly, ostracization of the media is obstructing transparency and public scrutiny. On April 11, President López Obrador confronted Telemundo journalist  Vanessa Hauc over water shortages in Mexico. Hauc stated that data from CONAGUA warns that 3 out of every 10 Mexican households do not have access to water, and cited specific information about the state of Chiapas, where vulnerable populations do not have access to water. As a response, President López Obrador accused the media of not being objective or professional. In the face of a potentially grave situation, the absence of accountability for the historic and continued dysfunction of the system, as well as a lack of critical information on the country’s water resources and infrastructure, have allowed politicians to manipulate the narrative. As the election approaches, the politicization of the water crisis continues, leaving residents to grapple with an uncertain future. One-sided solutions? The solutions to the crisis currently being proposed are centred on building mega infrastructure to bring water from areas outside Mexico City. Some of these areas such as Tabasco or Chiapas (suggested by president Obrador), are almost 1,000 miles away. On top of taking water from these communities, such a solution is costly, energy-intensive, and does nothing to solve the problem of the water being wasted once it arrives in the city, nor the issues related to decision-making around allocation . On its website, CONAGUA has announced a three-year project aimed at enhancing water infrastructure to better manage the stress related to reductions from the Cutzamala system. The project includes the installation of new wells and the commissioning of water treatment plants.  Physical improvements to the system are certainly necessary. However, approaches that rely almost exclusively on technological solutions continue to ignore the ways in which poor governance and corruption are contributing to the problem and hampering the development of adequate and effective infrastructure in the first place. Moreover, experts indicate that even if the city had the necessary funds –which it does not– the extensive construction needed for a swift infrastructure overhaul is unfeasible in a city with such a large population and so many daily commuters. In the Mexican press and in the run-up to June’s election, there are debates on whether to involve the private sector more strongly in finding solutions. Opposition figure Santiago Taboada, for example, has proposed public-private models, citing the lack of enough public money to fix the crisis. Such a solution also needs to be examined in light of the specific and underlying integrity risks that can jeopardise its effectiveness and affect service to those most in need . Integirty risks related to PPPs in water and sanitation can include conflicts of interest, flexibility built into long-term contracts that may create space for low accountability, a higher probability of bribery and collusion due to the often very high value of contracts , and challenges for monitoring and regulation brought on by limited transparency in complex financial structures. PPPs are also not immune to questionable electoral campaign dynamics, where companies may work to finance their supporters’ campaigns in exchange for favourable policies. So, what can be done for integrity? Increase transparency Regardless of the upcoming election results, those in power must prioritize transparency, ensuring that everyone has unobstructed access to information about water use (including that of private companies), availability, dam levels, groundwater resources, service levels in underserved areas, water quality, utility budgets, financial capacities, and efforts to reduce non-revenue water. Transparency also goes hand in hand with accountability, which can be supported by civil society organizations and oversight institutions like INAI and InfoCDMX. These organisations currently face threats of reduction or elimination by the government. Their preservation and strengthening must be prioritized. Additionally, the media must be protected and supported so they can play their role in disseminating information and holding politicians accountable. Focus on equity in allocation Leaders need to engage more effectively with communities and civil society to address equity of access and local solutions for water issues. Many low-income communities have long experienced day-zero conditions and continue to feel excluded from decision-making. Strengthening the Consejos de Cuenca , a mechanism that incorporates citizen participation in water resource decisions, and publishing information on their activities and outcomes, is essential. Additionally, reinforcing the human right to water in legal frameworks is crucial, such as through the establishment of water as a national common, where decisions about its use must come from all of Mexico’s people. Amend concessions and implement anti-corruption mechanisms in their enforcement The current system of water concessions results: in a profound lack of information about how much water private companies extract and for what purposes, in the government's inability to collect payments or monitor how water resources are exploited, and in the inequity of distribution. Al Jazeera has reported, that what existing water regulations do exist are poorly enforced and often circumvented by corruption . The effective monitoring of concessions needs to be greatly improved . The system itself probably also needs to be overhauled, likely through a new General Water Law. This law should prioritize the human rights to water and sanitation and the people over profit by restricting water concessions in areas facing shortages or drought and prioritizing personal and domestic water use. Central to a new law should also be robust anti-corruption instruments that mitigate issues such as falsified documents in the obtaining of concessions . Address risk in early-stage decision and planning processes Infrastructure upgrades and technical solutions are likely to remain a priority. It is therefore crucial to strengthen early-stage decision-making, budgeting, and planning processes so that the right infrastructure is built , where it is most needed, and with high standards. These steps are vital for mitigating various integrity risks such as conflict of interest or misuse of public funds. Organizations like WIN and CoST – the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative have developed tools to assist with these processes. Change the norms, make integrity the expectation and priority Promoting and valuing integrity to change social norms and organisational culture can go a long way. Accepting or expecting corruption as the default should no longer be an option. For example, as highlighted in the upcoming Water Integrity Global Outlook on Finance , when presented with information showing that most other people were opposed to corruption, participants in Mexico felt an increase in trust in other people’s views. This information also made them more likely to reject the idea that corruption was an inherent part of Mexican culture and decreased the likelihood of paying a bribe. These findings are hugely important, implying that the correct messaging can significantly affect participation in corrupt activities . Strong, ethical leadership is also crucial, to make sure there is no easy reason and rationalisation for corruption. The upcoming Mexican election presents a timely opportunity for the city and country’s leadership to rise to the occasion. Disclaimer: At WIN we value honest and open discussion. We are a multi-stakeholder network and our site brings together perspectives from across the board. Not all views expressed here reflect official policies .

Robust regulatory mechanisms can play a crucial role in limiting integrity risks. Bangladesh is working on developing an entirely new regulatory system for water and sanitation. This system will have to address fragementation, conflicts of interest, and integrity issues. Guest post by ITN-BUET The primary goal of the International Training Network Centre of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (ITN-BUET) is to achieve an improved human resource base that promotes sustainable development of water supply and sanitation. It strives for expansion of the knowledge base through networking. It acts as a bridge between stakeholders, creating opportunities for the academicians and implementers join a common forum and work hand in hand for the WASH sector. Bangladesh, with its growing population and urbanisation, faces significant challenges in ensuring adequate water supply and sanitation services. According to the latest Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (JMP) report [1], the national coverage rates for safely managed water supply and sanitation are 59% and 31% respectively. A lack of transparency and low accountability in service delivery enable common malpractice, compounding the service challenges further. Unethical practices, illegal activities, and fraud hinder fair and sustainable water and sanitation services. Establishing robust regulatory mechanisms is a vital policy intervention to address these challenges, promote sector goals in the public interest, and balance the competing interests of various stakeholders. Evidence suggests that having a formal regulatory body can lead to more consistent application of regulatory functions .[2] Currently, in Bangladesh the WASH regulatory mandate is fragmented. Multiple entities are involved, including Water Supply and Sewerage Authorities (WASAs) and Local Government Institutions (LGIs), which often act as both service providers and regulators. This overlap creates conflicts of interest and leads to various integrity issues that undermine the effectiveness of regulation, and ultimately of service . Bangladesh is following the Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) framework to achieve SDG 6.2 targets. Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) is prioritised under the approach. To do so, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has formulated the Institutional and Regulatory Framework for Faecal Sludge Management (IRF-FSM) . [3] It designates LGIs as the primary service authorities for non-sewered sanitation (NSS). The regulatory roles for FSM services remain ambiguous however, and the development and enforcement of integrity mechanisms remain limited. The Eighth Five Year Plan of the GoB [4] highlights the set-up of a formal WASH regulatory system as a key policy action. The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Co-operatives (MoLGRD&C) is taking this forward with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). ITN-BUET, in collaboration with the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM), is providing technical support for this initiative. --- THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE URBAN SANITATION REGULATION The decision to establish a regulatory system is spurred by sectoral challenges, coordination gaps in policy implementation and limited private sector engagement. Several other factors are also driving this process, including a number related to integrity risks. Integrity risks in financial management and governance In service delivery across the country, there are integrity concerns related to governance, finance, human resources, procurement, project implementation and customer relations. For example, public procurement is prone to mismanagement, corruption, and vendors’ ploys, as it is everywhere. The World Bank's evaluation of Bangladesh  [5] found the procurement process to be highly unsatisfactory, citing problems such as inadequate advertisement, short bidding periods, vague specifications, non-disclosure of selection criteria, one-sided contract terms, unnecessary rebidding, and frequent instances of corruption at the national level. Furthermore, misuse of public funds, discriminatory allocation of resources, and the exploitation of monopoly power by service providers to overcharge customers are major areas of concern. Irregularities in recruitment processes, nepotism in contract awards, and issues related to hiring qualified staff have also been noted. There are cases where bribes are extorted for basic services and the suppression of complaints is common. Undue political interference Unethical or overreaching actions of political leaders can cause major setbacks, hindering the ability to make impactful decisions and deliver services fairly. For example, though WASA boards are meant to operate independently, the involvement of high-level political figures in WASA affairs can create significant challenges and compromise the ability to act in the public rather than personal interests. Similarly, elected representatives of LGIs often fail to exercise the powers granted to them by the LGI Act, prioritising public support for political gain over effective governance. --- THE PATH FORWARD For the definition of a new regulatory system and in light of these factors, two considerations emerge. First there is a need to ensure financial and political autonomy of regulators and service providers both for effective regulation and for the effective implementation of CWIS and the delivery of pro-poor services. Rather than political motivations, clear criteria for equitable and optimised service delivery, should guide sector developments and the selection of water and sanitation service point locations. Second, adequate regulatory attention must be paid to those integrity risks that hold services back. With regard to international best practices and the country’s institutional and financial context, ministerial regulation appears to be suitable for a country like Bangladesh and could be set up to address these considerations. The proposed system should be able to set the roles of water and sanitation service providers, set service standards, manage monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and wield sanctions and incentives, to enable: • Improved service quality, sustainability, and equity, and customer satisfaction • Financial sustainability of water and sanitation service providers There are a number of next steps to take in establishing this regulatory system and make it effective. Firstly, establishing a coordination platform that unites all regulatory and service delivery entities —including the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), WASAs, and LGIs—is essential. This platform will help clarify and streamline the roles and responsibilities of those involved in service delivery and regulation. Secondly, increasing and training staff for all WASH services in these entities will improve monitoring and regulation. Strengthening corporate governance of public utilities also requires targeted training, such as training for boards of directors of WASAs. Thirdly, enabling greater involvement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is also vital, as these can help mitigate undue political interference and hold public officials accountable. They can do this by actively participating in open decision-making processes, conducting social audits, and raising voices in public hearing platforms. Fourthly, developing and enforcing clear standards for service provision is a first measure to take —such as with service level requirements, tariff-setting guidelines and adjustment procedures. Finally, ensuring transparency and accountability must be part of the regulator’s responsibilities. This can be done first through standardised monitoring and reporting requirements, with incentives for regularly updating the data and information. Making performance data publicly available through digital tools like e-PMIS and e-GPS will also improve transparency and enable the public to access information on service quality. --- The establishment of a water and sanitation regulatory system is a crucial step towards ensuring sustainable and equitable access to water and sanitation services in Bangladesh. By addressing the challenges faced by the sector and providing a robust regulatory framework, the government can improve the lives of millions of people and contribute to the country's overall development. References: [1] JMP. (2022). Wash Data. Retrieved from: https://washdata.org/data/household [2] ESAWAS. (2022). The Water Supply and Sanitation Regulatory Landscape Across Africa: Continent-Wide Synthesis Report. Retrieved from: http://www.ppa.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Esawas_Report_2022.pdf [3] Policy Support Branch, Ministry of Local Government Rural Development & Cooperatives, GoB. (2017, October). Institutional and Regulatory Framework for Faecal Sludge Management (IRF-FSM). Retrieved from: https://itn.buet.ac.bd/web/resource-category/national-documents/page/2/ [4] Bangladesh Planning Commission, Ministry of Planning, GoB. (2020). 8th Five Year Plan. Retrieved from: https://plancomm.gov.bd/site/files/8ec347dc-4926-4802-a839-7569897e1a7a/8th-Five-Year-Plan  [5] World Bank (2002). Bangladesh Country Procurement Assessment report. Retrieved from: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/812041468743656486/bangladesh-country-procurement-assessment-report Disclaimer: At WIN we value honest and open discussion. We are a multi-stakeholder network and our site brings together perspectives from across the board. Not all views expressed here reflect official policies .

Urban sanitation is critical to human dignity and public health but it is often undermined by poor integrity which results in substandard service delivery, financial losses, and ongoing inequities. A new report offers insight into integrity in the provision of urban sanitation services by focusing on the role of regulators. The reports, based on studies from Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, and Bangladesh, examine the current regulatory framework for urban sanitation, and unpack some best practices for the promotion of both Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) and integrity more broadly.   Photo by Sincerely Media - Unsplash --- Integrity Failures in Urban Sanitation: A Hidden Challenge  CWIS aims to provide safe sanitation services across entire cities, incorporating both sewered and non-sewered systems, and engaging private and informal providers alongside public utilities. CWIS and integrity approaches go hand in hand as they both address issues of inclusion and accountability. However, poor integrity can still compromise CWIS, as it can any urban sanitation.     Corruption, financial mismanagement, undue political interference, unfair labour practices and exploitation of sanitation workers, are all integrity risks that can undermine the delivery of safely managed sanitation in cities. Many integrity risks are driven by weak regulatory environments, where undue political interference and limited regulatory autonomy hamper efforts to hold service providers accountable.  The research from Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, and Bangladesh highlights the importance of an integrity approach to urban sanitation regulation and provision.   --- Strengthening Regulation for Urban Sanitation  Regulation is essential for ensuring equitable, sustainable, and inclusive sanitation services. In countries like Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia, broad regulatory mechanisms are already being introduced to regulate non-sewered sanitation. This includes setting standards for monitoring urban sanitation provision including non-sewered sanitation, or expanding performance monitoring of different service providers in Tanzania, or a sanitation surcharge to finance sanitation developments in Zambia.   The studies point out that though much progress has already been made, also thanks to and through the CWIS approach, there is still a long way to go , especially in terms of addressing integrity risks. Comprehensive reform is required, though one challenge is that regulatory mechanisms for integrity are often developed and overseen by different agencies. This makes cooperation across agencies and data sharing a key element of reform.   --- Regulating for Integrity in Sanitation Provision   A comprehensive regulatory framework should include: broad regulatory mechanisms for expanded sanitation access, tailored to different service providers and technologies,   specific regulatory mechanisms to also address integrity risks in different processes, from human resources to procurement and customer relations,   a strengthened regulatory environment, with autonomy and resources for the regulator, as well as transparency and open civic space.   The findings underscore the importance of cross-government collaboration and civil society involvement in preventing corruption. Regulators, government bodies, and civil society organizations must work together to identify and address integrity risks at every stage of the sanitation service chain, from project planning and budget allocation, through procurement, to service delivery.  The Rwanda regulatory agency uses a bribery index report developed by civil society to inform its action. Zambia’s water watch groups are another interesting example that could be expanded to cover sanitation services, where citizens could be involved in reporting issues and monitoring service quality.  --- Moving Forward  Improving urban sanitation is not just about expanding infrastructure—it’s about ensuring that the systems in place are fair, transparent, and sustainable. By focusing on integrity and enhancing the role of regulators, cities can move closer to achieving Citywide Inclusive Sanitation and realising the human right to sanitation.   Regulators should conduct regular assessments of urban sanitation regulation that include identification of key integrity and corruption risks. They can then plan for adaptations through a participatory process.  Read more about WIN's CWIS programme and download the full report on Regulation of Urban Sanitation Stay tuned for individual country reports and more insight on integrity for regulation and integrity for CWIS. Disclaimer: At WIN we value honest and open discussion. We are a multi-stakeholder network and our site brings together perspectives from across the board. Not all views expressed here reflect official policies .

In Kenya, a new petition in parliament against sexual corruption (sextortion) is the result of years of campaigning led by water sector organisations. Here's how they did it. The journey to recognizing sexual corruption, or sextortion, as a significant issue in Kenya has been long and challenging, but it also stands as a testament to the success achieved through perseverance and collaboration. This story showcases the Kenyan water sector's pivotal role in rallying other sectors to combat the problem collectively. In a conversation with two key figures in the movement—Sareen Malik of ANEW and Malesi Shivaji of KEWASNET—we explored the process of researching, advocating, and engaging with decision makers to get sexual corruption on the political agenda. The discussion’s insights offer valuable guidance for other partners and sectors inspired to address this critical issue. --- Part I – “It was like a whisper” Recognizing what was under our noses all along For Malesi, governance challenges represent the most significant barrier to achieving universal access to water and sanitation in Kenya. They first encountered the issue of sexual corruption, while working on governance in informal settlements through KEWASNET's human rights-based approach program. However, they quickly realized that the problem extended far beyond informal settlements, reaching into other vulnerable settings, such as humanitarian and emergency situations. This broader understanding revealed the pervasive nature of sexual corruption, affecting those in desperate need of essential resources. For Sareen, the moment of reckoning came with the acceptance of the sector's failure to acknowledge this issue. Despite the existence of documented cases of sexual exploitation in other areas, such as "sex for fish" or "sex for pads," the sector had overlooked the occurrence of such abuses in contexts where water and sanitation access is critically limited. This realization prompted a deep reflection on how such a significant issue could have been missed, and what the next steps might be. Acknowledging the need to address sextortion, despite anticipating serious backlash, was a crucial first step. The transgression had become so normalized, and power dynamics had so significantly played into the emergence of the issue, that many were often unaware of how serious sexual corruption really is. To combat this, the strategy involved legitimizing the issue at the international level by building on the work of the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), and then bringing this momentum back to Kenya. --- Part II – “They drink their abuse every day. They wash themselves with their abuse every day.” The movement picks up steam The impacts of the #MeToo movement in 2017 helped bring more attention to sexual corruption, despite initial scepticism and resistance. This led to obtaining crucial financial support, which allowed KEWASNET and ANEW to collect further evidence of the alarming extent of the issue in two of Kenya’s largest informal settlements and to start to initiate action – in the communities themselves, but also across other sectors. Responses to the evidence showcased the struggle that people have to see the connection between sexual abuse and water access, or access to other essential services. Still others, particularly key decision makers or leaders, sought to denounce the evidence altogether. This is where having the numbers played an important role. Critically, the programme’s interventions also sought to re-centre people, and the impact that sexual corruption has on their lives. Part of this meant unbundling issues of consent, power, and vulnerability alongside cultural and societal norms and behaviours. --- Part III – “In the best way possible, it became bigger than the water sector.” From research, to advocacy, to entering the legal sphere Building on the research findings through persistent advocacy and convening with other affected sectors, the movement ultimately managed to engage key policymakers. This was possible via the support of Hon. Esther Passaris, as she was able to escalate the issue all the way up to the national parliament as well as advise on legal support. With the backing of the Kenyan Law Reform Commission and financial support from Avaaz, a workshop to draft an official petition took place. Behind the scenes, a great deal of work took place to cultivate relationships and continue the conversation with lawmakers who were interested in getting the issue on the agenda. As an advice to other organizations who have similar ambitions, Sareen and Malesi are clear: get out of your comfort zone, get creative, and mobilize the masses. Dedication, ownership, and perseverance are what it takes. --- So what is next?  On April 17, 2024, a petition was officially submitted and read in Kenya’s parliament. The petition seeks to explicitly define sexual corruption as an offense, establish clear provisions on penalties, and provide support to victims. The business of making laws is a long game, and while the final steps in this journey could be another few years down the road, the good news is that the parliamentary legal committee has taken the petition on for refinement. In Sareen’s words, “We are confident that it is going to go through.”  Disclaimer: At WIN we value honest and open discussion. We are a multi-stakeholder network and our site brings together perspectives from across the board. Not all views expressed here reflect official policies .

Water Integrity Global Outlook 3 – Global Launch    Access to water and sanitation are human rights. Yet millions worldwide still lack adequate access. The newly launched Water Integrity Global Outlook: Improving integrity in Water and Sanitation Finance  (WIGO: Finance) takes a hard look at the money flows behind water and sanitation programmes. It highlights the integrity issues threatening our basic rights and proposes pathways for action to increase effectiveness of water and sanitation investments.  At our launch event on September 11, 2024, partners highlighted the critical link between integrity, governance, and successful service delivery. The discussions were powerful and offered a clear call to action.   Thank you to our keynote speaker Sanjay Pradhan, CEO of the Open Government Partnership, and to our esteemed panellists: Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director of the Water Global Practice, World Bank; Catarina Fonseca, Associate of IRC; Willis Ombai, CEO of the Water Sector Trust Fund; and David Boys, Deputy General Secretary of Public Services International.  --- Full Recording: Contact us to share feedback and questions --- The Case for Integrity in Water and Sanitation Financing   Letitia Obeng, Chair of the WIN Supervisory Board, kicked off the event by stressing that integrity failures drain funds that could otherwise be used to deliver sustainable services. Without integrity, transparency and accountability, the sector cannot close the funding gap or deliver on promises to provide clean water and sanitation to all.  Keynote speaker, Sanjay Pradhan, CEO of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), drew on real-world examples, such as Uganda’s early efforts to combat leakages in education financing, to show the impact of corruption on essential services and the power of open government approaches. Pradhan made a compelling case for focusing on financing outcomes . He highlighted transparency, civic engagement, and accountability, as the keys to tackling corruption in water and sanitation financing.     “As we all care about water and sanitation outcomes, we cannot escape the imperative of focusing on corruption and leakages. And for this, open government approaches can help. […] And these open government approaches can consist of two elements.  First, transparency and disclosure by the government of the financing, and second, an engaged citizenry that follows the money, demands accountability and provides feedback which government reformers respond to.” – Sanjay Pradhan, CEO of OGP  --- Key Takeaways  Understanding the Scale of the Problem WIGO: Finance  points to the staggering statistic that up to 26% of water investments are lost due to corruption, noting such figures can only be a limited estimate. The human, social, and environmental costs are significantly higher, as are the costs to government and service provider credibility.   The report underscores the need to tackle integrity at all stages, from upstream planning to downstream service delivery.  Three Pillars for Reform: Public Finance, Stakeholder Engagement, and Integrity Culture  Barbara Schreiner, WIN's Executive Director, presented the report and emphasised its practical approach. She outlined three key areas of work to prioritise:  Improving public financial management : Transparent financial reporting, such as making financial data from utilities publicly available in digital formats, is vital. Whistleblower protection was also highlighted as a critical tool in uncovering corruption, with Schreiner urging all stakeholders to establish policies that enable safe reporting of malpractice.  Enabling stakeholder engagement : Governments, water and sanitation institutions, and service providers must defend civic space and involve civil society and communities in monitoring projects and expenditures.  Building a culture of integrity : Ethical leadership, rewards for honest behaviour, and clear accountability mechanisms can prevent corruption from festering.  No Reason, No Room, No Reprieve: A Needed Holistic Approach Against Corruption There is no one-size-fits-all solution to integrity issues.   An effective approach must combine efforts to:  enforce sanctions and stop impunity (no reprieve),   strengthen systems and close loopholes (no room), and  build a culture of integrity, taking into account the social norms used to rationalise corruption (no reason).  Collaboration for Integrity All participants spoke of the need for water and sanitation stakeholders to work together, with financing institutions, and particularly with local and civil society organisations. Schreiner and Pradhan specifically urged all to build bridges with anti-corruption and integrity organisations.     “The water and sanitation community and the open government community must forge stronger partnerships where they have been typically operating in parallel silos.”  – Sanjay Pradhan, CEO of OGP    --- Expert Insights and Proposals on Tackling Integrity Issues  Saroj Kumar Jha –   Global Director of the Water Global Practice, World Bank Saroj Kumar Jha emphasised the importance of transparency and made three proposals for promoting integrity in the work of the Bank: First, on transparency, he insisted that recipients of World Bank funding should prepare and disclose audited financial statements.   Second, he proposed not just making such transparency a condition, but helping utilities and governments to be able to prepare such statements.   Finally, he proposed moving away from a culture of financing goods and services to financing outcomes. This implies increasingly adopting Performance-Based Financing  where funds are disbursed only when tangible outcomes, such as new water connections for communities, are delivered. On this point, he clarified that governments are expected to show commitment to funded programmes and advance the necessary resources. They can nevertheless receive advance resources from the World Bank of up to 25% of the total when necessary.    Catarina Fonseca – Associate at IRC, Director of Pulsing Tides   Catarina Fonseca offered insights on three red flags she sees in her work tracking sector data and developing financing strategies for water and sanitation:   Lack of transparency around budgets, loans, and expenditure, especially in the urban sanitation sub-sector.  Use of very specific local taxes meant for the water and sanitation sectors in other sectors .  Persistent infrastructure failure despite massive increases in budgets.  She further discussed the need for more transparency on the cost of capital, urging donors and finance institutions to report on their loan conditions and technical assistance requirements, to ensure they do not add to the financial burdens of already debt-strapped countries. Fonseca concluded that investing in civil society’s ability to track and hold governments accountable throughout the budgeting cycle is one of the most cost-effective ways to combat corruption and ensure that funds are spent where they are needed most.  Willis Ombai – CEO of the Water Sector Trust Fund Willis Ombai discussed the practical steps taken by Kenya’s Water Sector Trust Fund to address governance issues. He pointed to several issues of concern that affect governance in particular: limited capacity of implementing partners, procurement risks, inflation and macro-economic trends, abrupt changes in cooperation strategies of development partners, and security risks.   The Trust Fund has adopted several tools, including a Governance Assessment Tool  and an Integrity Assessment Toolbox , to improve accountability during project planning and execution. Ombai stressed that monitoring is crucial, with projects being assessed at every milestone, also with input from local organisations. This ensures that resources are used efficiently and in accordance with their intended purposes, reducing the risk of corruption and financial mismanagement. Ombai’s colleagues at the event highlighted tight cooperation with civil society as key to this process.  David Boys – Deputy General Secretary of Public Services International David Boys brought attention to the plight of workers in the integrity conversation, highlighting difficult working conditions for many. He emphasised the importance of worker rights, safe working conditions, and fair wages, which are essential not only for integrity but also for the sustainability of water services. He also urged stakeholders to meet ODA and climate finance promises.  He was critical of privatisation, highlighting as problematic a focus on financial returns for shareholders, financial secrecy, and inflated salaries of high-level managers at the expense of workers. In this context, he advocated three measures: whistle-blower protection for workers; support for Public-to-Public Partnerships - where stronger public utilities assist weaker ones; and public management, allowing the creation of democratic oversight of utilities.  --- Final Thoughts: Integrity and Value for Money  In response to questions on the cost of integrity and social accountability initiatives, Schreiner countered that relative to the cost of providing services, investment in integrity and social accountability is not expensive at all. Improving governance and integrity should be an integral part of all service delivery. She illustrated this point with a quote from the WIGO3 foreword by Sareen Malik, Executive Secretary of the African Civil Society Network on Water and Sanitation (ANEW):  “Shying away from integrity or failing to name it explicitly does not help our cause.  Integrity and its principles and pathways for systemic change are not optional extras, but foundational elements that ensure the effective and equitable use of resources, ultimately leading to more successful and impactful products and projects.”  – Sareen Malik, Executive Secretary of ANEW (in foreword to WIGO report on Finance)   --- Call to Action  WIGO: Finance  isn't just a report—it’s a roadmap for change. But these efforts can only bear fruit if the broader water and sanitation community takes action. Every actor, from governments to civil society, donors, and utilities, has a role in strengthening integrity and ensuring funds are used effectively to improve access to water.  Watch the full video of the event  to get inspired by global examples of integrity in action.  Read the WIGO: Finance  report  for practical tools and recommendations that you can implement to strengthen integrity in your work.  Join the conversation  by sharing your thoughts here or on social media. Contribute to the global movement to ensure everyone has access to clean water and sanitation.  Together, we can make a difference.

LA CORRUPTION SEXUELLE MENACE LES DROITS HUMAINS A L'EAU ET A L'ASSAINISSEMENT « Lorsqu'une personne a faim, a soif ou n’a pas d'argent, elle devient désespérée et elle est prête à tout pour survivre. Elle n'a pas beaucoup d’options. Cette situation est exploitée par les personnes puissantes. »    Entretien avec une informatrice clé, Korail-Dhaka (2021), issu d’une étude sur la sextorsion au Bangladesh    Un récapitulatif des bases à connaître sur la corruption sexuelle dans les secteurs de l'eau et l'assainissement préparé par WIN, ANEW, End Water Poverty, SIWI et Sanitation for All: QU'EST-CE QUE LA SEXTORSION QUEL EST LE RAPPORT ENTRE LA SEXTORSION ET L'EAU ET L'ASSAINISSEMENT QUELS SONT LES CONSÉQUENCES DE LA SEXTORSION POUR LES FEMMES ET LEURS DROITS HUMAINS COMMENT COMBATTRE LA SEXTORSION Lire en anglais ou espagnol: --- 1-QU'EST-CE QUE LA SEXTORSION ? La corruption sexuelle, ou communément « sextorsion » , est une forme de corruption dans laquelle le sexe, plutôt que l'argent, est la monnaie du pot-de-vin. La sextorsion est intrinsèquement non consensuelle en raison de sa nature coercitive. Elle constitue une forme grave de violence sexuelle et une violation du droit d'être protégé contre le harcèlement sexuel, la dégradation et la discrimination, ce qui a de graves répercussions sur le droit d'accès aux services publics.   Le terme sextorsion, utilisé pour la première fois par l'Association internationale des femmes juges en 2009, se réfère à un problème mondial que l’on rencontre partout où des personnes en position d'autorité abusent de leur pouvoir pour profiter de ceux qui en dépendent.   Avec la capacité d'accorder ou de refuser quelque chose d'important, les auteurs exercent leur pouvoir sur le corps d'une autre personne pour demander - explicitement ou implicitement - un acte sexuelle. Le sexe en échange d'un avantage ou d'un service peut être exigé, ou offert, à la place d'une somme d'argent pour un pot-de-vin mais il s'agit dans tous les cas d'une forme sexuée de corruption, résultant d'un important déséquilibre de pouvoir. Qu'il s'agisse d'un fonctionnaire, d'un agent des forces de l'ordre, d'un employeur, d'un prestataire de services ou de tout autre individu en position de pouvoir, la sextorsion se produit dans tous les secteurs, tant dans les pays en développement que dans les pays développés, et touche les adultes et les enfants, les professionnels établis et les personnes appartenant à des groupes marginalisés et vulnérables. Bien que les preuves suggèrent que la sextorsion vise de manière disproportionnée les femmes, les hommes, les personnes transgenres et les personnes non conformes au genre sont également touchés.     --- 2-QUEL EST LE RAPPORT ENTRE LA SEXTORSION ET L'EAU ET L'ASSAINISSEMENT ? Étant donné que les femmes et les filles sont souvent les principales responsables de la gestion de l'eau pour les foyers, et parce qu'elles ont des besoins spécifiques en matière d'eau et d'assainissement, elles sont plus vulnérables aux abus, aux attaques ou à la corruption lorsqu'elles cherchent de l'eau ou accèdent aux installations sanitaires. En outre, le statut socio-économique des femmes aggrave leur vulnérabilité, car des facteurs tels que le manque de ressources financières ou l'accès insuffisant à l'eau et aux installations sanitaires peuvent contraindre les femmes à payer ces services avec leur corps. Le risque d'extorsion et d'abus est d'autant plus élevé que de nombreuses femmes parmi les plus pauvres ne connaissent pas leurs droits. Le manque de points d'eau et de toilettes adéquats, les prix élevés et la faible intégrité des organisations du secteur sont des facteurs de risque supplémentaires. --- 3- QUELS SONT LES CONSÉQUENCES DE LA SEXTORSION POUR LES FEMMES ET LEURS DROITS HUMAINS ? Comme pour d'autres formes d'abus et de violence sexuels, les victimes de sextorsion subissent toute une série de conséquences physiques, psychologiques et sociales. Elles souffrent en outre le plus souvent en silence à cause de la honte, de la stigmatisation, de la peur des représailles et du manque d'accès à la justice. Pour beaucoup de victimes, les avantages qu'il y a à dénoncer la sextorsion n’en valent pas les coûts, d'autant que la nature transactionnelle de l’acte peut plus facilement pousser les interlocuteurs à voir les victimes comme des complices.   Lorsque les femmes sont victimes de sextorsion pour accéder à l'eau et à l'assainissement, elles sont victimes de discrimination et leur accès n'est pas sûr, en violation de leurs droits humains à l'eau et à l'assainissement. La sextorsion accroît également les inégalités entre les sexes et entrave le développement durable, portant d’autant plus atteinte aux droits humains des victimes.    « Je suis allée chercher de l'eau et le vendeur d'eau m'a fait des avances sexuelles, mais j'ai refusé de céder. Le lendemain, le vendeur m'a refusé l'accès à l'eau et m'a dit que si je n'acceptais pas ses exigences, je ne pourrais pas aller chercher de l'eau à cet endroit. J'ai choisi de faire appel à un ami, qui est allé chercher de l'eau pour moi. »   Participante, groupe de discussion à Olympic, Kenya, projet Sex for Water (2020)  --- 4-COMMENT COMBATTRE LA SEXTORSION? Les lois, réglementations, et stratégies existantes ne définissent ni ne reconnaissent suffisamment la sextorsion comme une forme de corruption ou comme un délit, ce qui rend difficile son identification et les poursuites judiciaires. Les données et les informations sur le sujet sont également rares, en raison de la recherche limitée et du peu d'attention accordée à la question. En outre, les barrières culturelles, la stigmatisation, la honte et les risques pour les victimes contribuent à un manque de dialogue et de compréhension de la sextorsion au niveau politique. Quand les prestataires de services et les autorités publiques appliquent les principes des droits fondamentaux d'égalité et de non-discrimination et les normes d'accessibilité et d'abordabilité liées aux droits humains à l’eau et l’assainissement, l'accès discrétionnaire et l'abus de pouvoir, y compris la sextorsion, sont réduits. Les parties prenantes du secteur doivent aller de l'avant et créer un environnement permettant aux femmes, aux filles et aux autres groupes vulnérables d'accéder en toute sécurité à l'eau et à l'assainissement.  Cela implique pour les organisations des secteurs de l’eau et de d’assainissement de :  Reconnaître la sextorsion comme une forme grave de corruption et l'inclure dans leurs politiques et cadres juridiques de lutte contre la corruption ;   Veiller à ce que leurs dirigeants, leur personnel, leurs sous-traitants et autres parties prenantes soient formés sur cette question afin qu'ils comprennent que la sextorsion est une forme de corruption à laquelle il faut réagir ;   Communiquer aux usagers de l'eau que la sextorsion est une forme de corruption à signaler;   Mettre en place et communiquer à leur personnel des sanctions claires pour la sextorsion ;   Mettre en place des mécanismes formels de signalement et de réponse où les individus peuvent signaler des incidents librement, confidentiellement et sans discrimination.    Soutenir le développement de systèmes de soutien psychologique et social pour les victimes.   Prenez position, partagez ces infos, rejoignez-nous contre la sextorsion !    Sources: Eldén, Å., D. Calvo, E. Bjarnegård, S. Lundgren and S. Jonsson (2020). Sextortion: Corruption and Gender-Based Violence, EBA Report 2020:06, the Expert Group for Aid Studies (EBA), Sweden.  Feigenblatt, Hazel. 2020. Breaking the silence around sextortion: The links between power, sex and corruption. Transparency International. https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/breaking-the-silence-around-sextortion Hendry, N. (2020). Sextortion: Sexual Offence or Corruption Offense? [web log]. Retrieved from https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/sextortion-sexual-offence-or-corruption-offence . Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET) and the African Civil Society Network on Water and Sanitation (ANEW) (2020). Sex for Water Project: Promoting Safe Space for Girls and Young Women in Kibera Project, Final Baseline Report. https://www.susana.org/_resources/documents/default/3-3965-270-1606746371.pdf Sangeetha Purushothaman et al. (2021). Seeing Beyond the State: Grassroots Women’s Perspectives on Corruption and Anti-Corruption. UNDP. https://anticorruption.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Grassroots-women-and-anti-corruption.pdf . UNDP-SIWI Water Governance Facility (2017). Women and corruption in the water sector: Theories and experiences from Johannesburg and Bogotá. WGF Report No. 8. Stockholm: SIWI. Water Integrity Network. 2021. Water integrity Global Outlook 2021: Water integrity in urban water and sanitation. Water Integrity Network, Berlin. https://www.waterintegritynetwork.net/wigo2021 Télécharger cette fiche en pdf: en anglais en espagnol en français