The Knowledge Exchange Conference, held in Luxor, Egypt, on 18 and 19 September 2023, brought together stakeholders in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector to discuss the challenges in service provision and the links to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Facilitated by Oscar Alvarado, the Environmental Expert and Programme Manager in The Hague Academy for Local Governance. The conference provided a platform for participants to identify gaps and areas of improvement in their own WASH systems, explore the importance of systems thinking in addressing service delivery, and propose measures for improved service delivery. The conference was organized by VNG International, Egypt, and funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt, within the framework of the project ‘Improving Sustainability of the WASH Sector in Upper Egypt’. Several key stakeholders in the WASH sector in Egypt participated in the conference, including the Ministry of Local Development, the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater, the water companies of Qena, Sohag, Assiut, and Minia, the Secretary Generals of the Governorates of Qena, Assiut, and Minia, as well as community leaders from the 4 target governorates.

Gaps and Areas of Improvement

During the conference, participants engaged in breakout sessions organized by the governorates. Each group had the opportunity to review and summarize their successes and challenges in existing action points. Through discussions and knowledge sharing, stakeholders identified common gaps and areas of improvement in their respective WASH systems. Some of the recurring challenges included:

• Water Pressure and Access:
• Availability and Functioning of Network Washing Valves
• Reliability of Water Meters
• Quality of Tap Water
• Stakeholder Coordination and Citizen Participation
• Use communication mediums such as hotlines, applications, and other channels.

Incorporating SDGs into WASH Service Delivery

The conference emphasized the importance of aligning WASH service delivery with the SDGs. By integrating the SDGs into their strategies and action plans, stakeholders can contribute to the broader global agenda of sustainable development. The SDGs provide a framework for addressing key challenges in the WASH sector, including access to clean water and sanitation, hygiene promotion, and the involvement of marginalized communities. Participants discussed the need to incorporate specific targets and indicators related to the SDGs into their WASH programs, enabling better monitoring and evaluation of progress.

The conference also featured several interactive workshops and sessions designed to help participants develop practical skills and knowledge.

The Community ScoreCard: A Tool for Stakeholder Engagement

One of the notable highlights of the conference was the discussion on the Community ScoreCard (CSC) as a tool for stakeholder engagement. The CSC is an innovative approach that involves citizens and NGOs as stakeholders in improving WASH services. It promotes higher levels of awareness, citizen participation, and accountability. Using the CSC, stakeholders can assess the performance of service providers, identify gaps, and collaborate on solutions. The CSC process fosters effective communication between service providers and consumers, creating higher effectiveness and efficiency in WASH investments and operations.

Challenges and Risks in Implementing the CSC

While the CSC offers immense potential for improving WASH services, several challenges and risks were highlighted during the conference. These include:

• Approval and Commitment: The successful implementation of CSC Action Plans relies on obtaining approval and commitment from stakeholders at various levels, including governorate and district leaders, management of water and sanitation companies, and other key actors. With their commitment, the implementation may avoid significant obstacles.
• Functioning of the CSC Steering Committee: The CSC Steering Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the Action Plans. A sense of ownership and a clear mandate are essential to achieve this. Without the active involvement and support of the Steering Committee, the implementation may lack momentum.
• Funding: Adequate funding for the CSC activities is crucial for their successful implementation. Linking the activities to the current and future budgets and operational plans of stakeholders can help ensure sustained financial support. Categorizing and separating funding-required actions from non-funding-required actions can prevent the entire Action Plan from getting stuck in implementation.
• Public Awareness: Effective communication with the public about the progress of the CSC Action Plan is vital for generating public awareness and maintaining a sense of urgency. Regular updates and engagement with the community can help foster a sense of ownership and encourage active participation.

Citizen Participation and Social Accountability

Another key focus of the conference was citizen participation and social accountability in the WASH sector. Participants recognized the importance of engaging citizens in decision-making and explored different participatory approaches to local governance. They discussed the benefits and limits of social accountability mechanisms and highlighted the need to apply these mechanisms in their contexts. By involving citizens in WASH planning,

Oscar Alvarado, Conference Facilitator, stated, “The conference was a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to come together, share experiences, and develop strategies for improving WASH service provision. By utilizing innovative tools like the Community Score Card and embracing a systems thinking approach, we can create lasting change and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

 “I think it’s both insightful and impactful to allow service providers and users to reflect on their perceptions of how the service should be delivered by scoring a well-defined set of indicators. This should promote service providers’ desire to improve and the users’ sense of responsibility to contribute to improving the services they get. A multi-stakeholder approach is key to achieving impactful and sustained improvement.” said General Yasser Abdelaziz – Secretary General of Minia Governorate.

In conclusion, the Knowledge Exchange Conference provided a platform for stakeholders in the WASH sector to address challenges, explore innovative approaches, and develop action plans for improved service delivery. By adopting a systems thinking approach, incorporating the SDGs, and utilizing tools like the Community Score Card, stakeholders can enhance collaboration and accountability, ultimately leading to more effective and sustainable WASH development in Upper Egypt and beyond.