How to use the Seventh Video

The Seventh Video on community water supply management has been compiled from six country-specific videos made on the subject. For people working in the water sector the images will be very familiar. They show the daily ups and downs in community water supply management. Watching the video will raise discussions and remarks. You can also ask the audience if they recognize the scenes in the video, or if they have other experiences. Just let them talk.

Although the 15-minute video was made for decision makers, it can also be used for other staff working in the water sector.

Main messages

It is also possible to pick out the main messages of the video and discuss each of them.

The main messages of the video are:

Many people in rural communities struggle with their water supply.

Questions for discussions

What are the main problems of rural people in your country/district?

What are the causes of these problems?

Rural people have contributed their labour to the construction of water supply systems.

Questions for discussion:

What was the role of rural people in your country/district in the construction of water supply systems?

What kinds of arrangements were made with rural communities?

What were the problems with construction in your country/district?

Many water supply systems that have been constructed over the years have broken down.

Questions for discussion:

What is the breakdown rate in your country/district?

Why are systems not being repaired?

Who should repair/rehabilitate systems?

Constructing a water supply system is the easiest part in securing a sustainable water supply. Management is far more important.

Questions for discussion:

Do you agree with that statement?

Why have governments, donors, and water sector agencies never addressed the management (operation, maintenance) of rural water supplies?

What are the most important elements of good management in your opinion?

Rural communities have the capacity to manage their water supplies.

Questions for discussion:

Do you agree that rural people have the capacity to manage their water supplies?

Do you have examples of good management by rural communities?

Rural communities often struggle with the management of their water supply systems.

Questions for discussion:

Do you agree with that statement?

What are the management problems of rural communities in your experience?

What are the causes of these problems?

Governments should support rural communities in their efforts to manage their water supplies.

Questions for discussion:

Do you agree with that statement?

Does your government support communities in the management of their water supplies? How? Why not?

How should governments support communities in your opinion?

Rural communities will keep on playing a key role in the management of their water supplies.

Questions for discussion:

Do you agree with that statement?

Do you think there are other ways to improve rural water supply? What are they?

Is there indeed a role for rural communities in water supply management? Why? Why not?

Good luck!

Feedback

Have you seen the video? Do you have any other suggestions on how to use it? We will publish them on this Web site. Please contact Ton Schouten.