Urban and peri-urban sanitation systems face persistent challenges that hinder efficient service delivery and long-term sustainability. A lack of system-wide coordination often leads to:
Fragmented infrastructure investments that do not align with local needs
Financial strain on utilities, with unrecovered costs and disproportionate public spending on sewer systems
Short-term, uncoordinated asset development, limiting long-term service improvements
Limited access for underserved communities, making inclusivity an afterthought
EquiServe – an innovative scenario planning tool developed to facilitate evidence-based, coordinated actions to improve sanitation services. It assists in assessing service systems, testing different service improvements, and visualizing trade-offs, addressing key questions such as:
Who has access to safe services and at what price?
Who provides these services and at what cost?
It helps utilities, policymakers, and service providers:
Ensure inclusivity by prioritizing underserved communities, reducing financial burdens, and expanding access to safe sanitation.
Promote financial and environmental sustainability by evaluating cost-effective models, optimizing subsidies, and ensuring long-term viability
Enhance planning and coordination by visualizing service gaps, comparing intervention strategies, and guiding strategic investments
Equiserve in Action
Equiserve is developed and operated by Athena Infonomics, with grant support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and in collaboration with the Eastern and Southern Africa Water and Sanitation (ESAWAS) Regulators Association, AguaConsult, and public sector leaders from WASREB, NWASCO, and WURD.
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