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Key factors to improve area-wide urban sanitation – case study of Gitega (Burundi)

Gitega is the second largest town in Burundi. Following on a study carried out in 2007-2009, a demand-oriented sanitation project has been launched in 2010 with the support of the German government. The project was initiated by Burundi’s municipal technical services (SETEMU) as a pilot project for area-wide sanitation improvements in secondary towns. Funded at a level of about 1 million Euros, the program is being implemented by the Municipality of Gitega, specifically the city’s new sanitation services with support of a consultant (Fichtner Water & Transportation) and GIZ.

The strategic criteria of the pilot project to trigger and sustain Gitega’s area wide urban hygienic and sanitary improvements encompass:

  • A demand oriented approach to sanitation;
  • An innovative pilot institutional arrangement, allocating the functions of regulation and supervision to a “national” entity (SETEMU) and the operational tasks to the local authorities;
  • A sustainable financial concept that remains after the end of the project intervention based on affordable public services and technical solutions for households;
  • The integration of all local stakeholders within their natural roles, i.e. what they do best or bring together the most appropriate and qualified for each task;
  • The promotion of local technical innovations for affordable sanitary improvements;
  • Management development of the responsible municipal sanitation service.

4. Improving area-wide urban sanitation.pdf (442.5 kB)