ABSTRACT
Most of the chapters in this book are based on the research that has adopted a clear analytical framework and scientific approach for assessing costs and service levels in the WASH sector. It is necessary to spell out the aims of the research and the framework and approach adopted. The aim of the WASHCost research is to help better planning and designing for the provision of sustainable WASH services equitably in a cost-effective manner. In the context of WASH Cost, the concepts used are defined in the following manner:
Life-cycle assessment follows a systems approach. Life-cycle costs cover not only the cost of constructing and providing infrastructure but also of ensuring the long-run sustainability of the service and equitable service delivery. Real life-cycle costs of equitable and sustainable WASH service delivery can be disaggregated into a number of categories, including the capital costs, recurrent operational costs, capital maintenance costs, and direct and indirect support costs.
Sustainability means environmental, institutional, social and financial sustainability. Environmental sustainability mainly deals with source protection and safety in the long run (10–15 years).
Equity means service delivery to poor men, women, children, marginalised and unreached sections of the community; that is, ensuring equity in access and delivery through appropriate system design.
Cost efficiency means providing WASH services in the most cost-effective manner: i.e., so that investments are optimum and ensure value for money.
