Integrated Water Sanitation and Hygiene I-WASH

The Integrating WASH Services (I-WASH) project, implemented by Global Communities, seeks to expand and integrate quality water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and water resource management (WRM) services in the Huehuetenango and Quiche Departments of Guatemala.

I-WASH operates a holistic approach that improves water governance and accountability at all levels of government: central, municipal, and local. The project seeks to mobilize public financing, international cooperation, and the financial sector to solve rural water and sanitation issues while integrating the participation of the private sector to expand service coverage to rural communities. Moreover, the I-WASH project aims to mobilize and professionalize the local labor force to improve water and sanitation products and services and contribute to social and behavioral change. This comprehensive approach will lead to reducing chronic child malnutrition and improving the quality of life for the population.

GEOGRAPHICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC APPROACH

The central and municipal government entities responsible for the provision of services are fundamental participants in achieving universal access to water, hygiene, and sanitation with high-quality services. The project emphasizes collaboration with women, youth, and indigenous communities, and in forming strong partnerships with local organizations.

The target municipalities are in Guatemala’s Western Highlands region. The project is implemented in 13 municipalities in the department of Huehuetenango (Santa Cruz Barillas, Chiantla, Concepción Huista, Cuilco, Jacaltenango, La Democracia, La Libertad, San Antonio Huista, San Mateo Ixtatán, San Pedro Soloma, San Sebastián Huehuetenango, Santa Eulalia, and Todos Santos Cuchumatán) and 5 municipalities in the department of Quiché (Cunén, San Gaspar Chajul, San Juan Cotzal, Santa María Nebaj, and Uspantán).

CONTEXT AND CHALLENGES

Expected challenges throughout the project include significant gaps in access to water, sanitation, and high-quality hygiene practices; securing and executing public funds to invest in the improvement and expansion of public services; and addressing the lack of acceptance of women, youth, and indigenous peoples on equal terms.

The project strengthens the capacities of municipalities and the local water and sanitation committee by improving coordination and partnership between the public water and sanitation sector (the central and municipal government), with other interested parties and local organizations such as development councils and community organizations. The I-WASH project also ensures the incorporation of women, youth, and indigenous peoples in the planning and decision-making processes.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

I-WASH focuses both on the public water, hygiene, and sanitation sector, as well as the governance and management of water resources to ensure high quality services that contribute to improving health and nutrition results. By the end of the activity, the expected results include:

• Increased coordination and collaboration between the central, municipal, and local levels of government and rural community.
• Improved municipal water and sanitation offices, potable water and sanitation administration committees, and a professionalized water services workforce with improved skills in technical, administrative, and financial management skills.
• High-quality, accessible, sustainable, and equitable access to services that reduce the financial gap; new job opportunities and communities that recognize and value that safe water service implies investment and management costs.