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F. Ronald (Ron) Denham�Chair Emeritus -WASH Rotary Action Group

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March 2026

WASH Projects or Programs:�Which are more effective?

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Background: What is the difference?

Typical projects: �

  • Install handpump, build latrines, dig pond, provide bio-sand filters, setting up water kiosks�

Typical Programs:�

  • Country-wide WASH initiative (e.g. Haiti), rehabilitating watershed, etc.

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Programs are more than just “Big Projects”.�There are fundamental differences:

  • The activity
  • Efficient execution
  • Service, on time, on budget�
  • Less than 2 years, often months
  • Simple, linear
  • Few participants

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  • Minimal, clearly defined�scope, activities, boundaries�
  • Short-term grants, donations�- Rotary clubs�- TRF
  • Some contributions from� suppliers

Projects

Focus

Strategic

Imperative

Duration

Structure

Flexibility

Funding

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Programs are more than just “Big Projects”.�There are fundamental differences:

  • Outcomes, community impact
  • Support strategic vision, goal, e.g. SDGs, empowerment, self-sufficiency
  • 5 – 10 years
  • Complex, coordinated. Many disciplines and functions, operating in parallel and in sequence
  • Ambiguous, some risk in early stages. Feedback critical.
  • Definition evolves over time
  • Long-term commitment
  • Major international agencies, corporations & foundations
  • Create, seek opportunities for viable private sector investment

Programs

  • The activity
  • Efficient execution
  • Service, on time, on budget�
  • Less than 2 years, often months
  • Simple, linear
  • Few participants

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  • Minimal, clearly defined�scope, activities, boundaries�
  • Short-term grants, donations�- Rotary clubs�- TRF
  • Some contributions from� suppliers

Projects

Focus

Strategic

Imperative

Duration

Structure

Flexibility

Funding

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Programs are more than just “Big Projects”.�There are fundamental differences:

  • Part-time, usually volunteer

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  • Offer advice?
  • Brief discussions, seek “OK”, acquiescence

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  • “Same as last time”
  • Minimal knowledge
  • Few comparisons
  • Often supply driven
  • “One off”�
  • Centralized through robust protocols and procedures

Projects

Management

Community

Involvement

Design

Decision making & control

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Programs are more than just “Big Projects”.�There are fundamental differences:

  • Professional, full time, train and leverage volunteers
  • “Owns” the program
  • Empowered
  • Form, support WASH committee
  • All stakeholders involved in decision-making
  • Consider hydrology, terrain, culture, local materials, talent
  • Community assessment
  • Seek standardization, economies of scale
  • More delegation to field to permit flexibility, responsiveness
  • Accountable for achieving outcomes from available resources

Programs

  • Part-time, usually volunteer

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  • Offer advice?
  • Brief discussions, seek “OK”, acquiescence

​

  • “Same as last time”
  • Minimal knowledge
  • Few comparisons
  • Often supply driven
  • “One off”�
  • Centralized through robust protocols and procedures

Projects

Management

Community

Involvement

Design

Decision making & control

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Why are programs more effective?

  1. Long-Term Sustainability - longer duration facilitates:
  2. Building stronger local systems
  3. Training communities and local authorities
  4. Ensuring maintenance and operation of infrastructure

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As a result, WASH systems and facilities are more likely to

continue functioning when funding ends.

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Why are programs more effective?

  1. Larger geographic coverage. Operating across multiple

communities, districts or watersheds means:

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  • Reaching more people
  • Creating regional or national impact
  • Getting attention of local authorities

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More likely to get high level support

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Why are programs more effective?

  1. Adopt a systems approach integrating all aspects of WASH
  2. Safe water supply
  3. Sanitation infrastructure
  4. Hygiene education
  5. Institutional environment

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This approach aligns with the SDGs

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Why are programs more effective?

  1. Better co-ordination and policy alignment,

working closely with:

  • Local and national authorities
  • NGOs
  • Donors and funding agencies
  • International agencies, e.g. UN, World Bank�

So, WASH systems and facilities are better integrated

with national strategies

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Why are programs more effective?

  1. Capacity Building and System Strengthening
  2. Training local technicians
  3. Strengthening water and local utilities
  4. Supporting and training local management � and committees
  5. Supporting governance and management� systems�

This builds local capacity so communities can manage their own water and sanitation services

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Why are programs more effective?

  1. Monitoring and Evaluation
  2. Set clear goals and objectives
  3. Monitor results continuously
  4. Institutionalize learnings
  5. Give feedback, adjust strategy as appropriate
  6. Build on success – scale up successful� approaches�

Program operates at larger scale, integrate many services, strengthen systems, promotes sustainability – all leading to more lasting impacts.

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Think Programs for lasting Impact!

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  • Drive towards SDGs�
  • Help to transform the Community�
  • Create the basis for self-improvement�
  • Support other programs-community development, health, education etc.�
  • Strengthen Rotary legacy�

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