Inception phase

In the inception phase four countries were selected. Local ownership for project objectives/activities was generated as a start of the process of embedding the project in lead government and non-government WASH organisations.

WASHCost report on end of inception phase meeting

Following a nine month inception period, the WASHCost project met in The Hague from 6-10 October 2008. Project teams from Burkina Faso, Ghana, India and Mozambique were present, with the IRC team, support staff and members of the external advisory committee. The purpose of the meeting was threefold:
■ To look back at the milestones so as to be able to make a report to the grant donor on what has been achieved and what remains to be done
■ To come up with revised workplans for the next year, including revised budgets and additional milestones
■ To contribute to team building

200810 End Inception Phase Report v1 0.pdf (2.3 MB)

Lessons from inception phase WASHCost programme

Understanding of life cycle unit costs for more sustainable water sanitation and hygiene facilities and services is increasing in Ghana following the launch of the WASHCost programme in the country.

"Involving government from the onset"

"I believe that WASHCost Mozambique is on the right track with involving government from the onset and having one of the team members actually from the most important counterpart, the Rural Water Department".

"There is a need for clever communication"

Peter McIntyre, well-known to IRC and an excellent reporter and editor, has agreed to become structurally involved in the WASHCost project. Peter will provide editorial support during the three large annual project meetings. Furthermore, he will advise the Communication Working Group and provide in-country training on process documentation on request.

First meeting of core project team and external advisors

In March 2008, the WASHCost core project team and the External Advisory Committee met for the first time in Delft, the Netherlands, to clarify research methodologies and processes.

"If we can get data and it is used, it will help people to think about a sustainable service"

Interview with Kwabena Nyarko (KN), WASHCost Country Director in Ghana, and a Lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), by Peter McIntyre (PMcI).

"The most interesting aspect is exposing the hidden costs of keeping systems running"

Interview with Kristin Komives (KK), Senior Lecturer in Rural Development, Environment and Population Studies at the Institute of Social Studies and Economics, The Hague, and WASHCost External Advisory Committee member.

"At present there is no link between investment, operating costs and service levels"

Interview with Richard Franceys (RF), External Advisory Committee member and Senior Lecturer in water and sanitation management at Cranfield University, UK

"Decisions on unsustainable use of water resources are made without counting the cost"

Interview with Charles Batchelor (CB), WASH Governance Specialist for WASHCost India, and a consultant who runs the UK based Water Resources Management.