WASH STAKEHOLDERS UNITE

CELEBRATING THE SUCCESSFUL USAID TRANSFORM WASH ACTIVITY AND HANDOVER IN ALETA WENDO.

Author: Mekdim Hailu, Project Communication Manager and Fana Abay, Marketing and Communications Director, PSI Ethiopia

A recent visit to Aleta Wendo in Ethiopia’s Sidama region was an important milestone for progress in the WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) sector. The purpose of the visit, organized by USAID’s Transform WASH (T/WASH) activity, was to celebrate the project’s successes and officially hand over project leadership to the Woreda administration. This symbolic handover represents the impressive achievements of the project and underscores the Woreda’s unwavering commitment to advancing WASH initiatives.

The visit brought together several stakeholders who represent the spirit of collaboration in addressing WASH challenges. USAID representatives were joined by key representatives from federal agencies such as the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLS), and the National WASH Coordination Office. At the regional level, representatives from the Regional Health Bureau, the Regional Water and Energy Bureau, the Regional Finance Bureau, the Regional JOB Creation Bureau, the Regional Finance Bureau, the Regional Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), and Regional Entrepreneurship Development Institute were present, as well as local stakeholders including the Aleta Wendo Woredas Administration Office, the Woredas Health Office, and others.

Tangible Impact In Aleta Wendo

The USAID Transform WASH Activity in Aleta Wendo Woreda aimed to reduce child mortality from diarrheal diseases. It pursued several objectives, including developing an innovative market-based sanitation model to increase access to affordable WASH products and services, strengthening local authorities to manage WASH programs, and promoting better sanitation behaviors in the community. These efforts have provided invaluable lessons for scaling up successful WASH approaches nationwide.

The project has achieved important milestones and demonstrated tangible impact. By establishing a retail outlet for WASH products, the sanitation stores have sold over 9,000, including sanitation items, improving the supply of essential sanitation items. Better accessibility has improved sanitation practices in many households, benefiting around 45,520 people.

“Thanks to the invaluable support of T/WASH, we have seen a remarkable 22% increase in improved latrines and a significant decrease in diarrheal diseases in children under five from 50% to 32%.” — Mr. Tariku, Head of Aleta Wendo Woreda Health Office

Woreda Administrator Girma Kebede thanked USAID and implementing partners such as PSI Ethiopia, SNV, and IRC for their critical role in the project’s success. He acknowledged the significant contribution of Market-Based Sanitation in introducing evidence-based demand development, supply chain, and capacity-building initiatives. Girma highlighted the invaluable lessons learned from the project and reiterated Woreda’s continued commitment to WASH promotion and implementation.

“T/WASH has played an important role in making our woreda the center of excellence for market-based sanitation.” Girma Kebed, Woreda Administrator.

For example, through the WASH subsidies, 1,000 households have been selected to access improved sanitation facilities, significantly improving hygiene standards and practices in the community.

In addition, the Woreda administration has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to constructing two sheds worth 350,000 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) to support ongoing WASH initiatives — a significant investment. The plans to expand the facilities underline the Woreda’s long-term vision for WASH sustainability. The project initially focused on two WASH kebeles but recognized the importance of broader knowledge dissemination. By training eight producers/mason installers in other kebeles, the project ensured that the WASH business expanded beyond the initial target area and promoted a comprehensive understanding of WASH principles and practices across the Woreda.

The visit culminated in a debriefing session where all WASH stakeholders at federal and regional levels reaffirmed their shared commitment. This commitment ensures the continuity of the market-based sanitation (MBS) approach beyond the project’s original focus areas and timeframe.

T/WASH is conducting similar handovers across the country, with Aleta Wendo standing out as a role model among the many successful handovers. The undeniable impact of T/WASH, as evidenced by the sale of more than 100,000 WASH products and the access of more than 1 million people to improved sanitation facilities, underscores the effectiveness of market-based sanitation (MBS) and collaborative efforts to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene across Ethiopia. The seamless handover of USAID Transform WASH activities to the Woreda administration ensures continued success and lays the foundation for a significant improvement in WASH standards.