3.2 Access to WASH information

Access to information on sector performance is vital for financial accountability. Financial accountability in WASH means that people who are entrusted with money from various sources and for various activities are held to account on how that money is used and with what effect. It requires information to be published on all aspects of performance. Sector performance monitoring is improving but there are still questions over whether coverage data are reliable enough or tells us enough about quality of service. Data are also prone to manipulation at the cost of accountability.

Transparent, timely and detailed reporting by service providers and other agencies is necessary -the wider availability of Freedom of Information Laws has provided new opportunities to access information and hold providers accountable, as have new communication technologies.

This session will include input from:

• STEPS Centre,
• IRC, and
• others.