Sustaining water services for refugees and host communities in Itang (Ethiopia) and Rwamwanja (Uganda)

The study conducted by the R-WASH Programme (Regional Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programme for Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Host Communities in East Africa), jointly implemented by UNICEF and UNHCR, examines the development and management of water services in refugee and host communities in Itang Gambella, Ethiopia, and Rwamwanja, Uganda. It highlights the shift from water trucking towards towards sustainable, integrated water supply systems, focusing on the challenges and achievements in infrastructure development, service levels, costs, and financing. The study provides insights into the complexities of ensuring effective and sustainable water supply in refugee-hosting areas. It emphasizes the importance of utility-led models, their impact on the communities, and the strengthening of their social cohesion, offering valuable lessons for similar initiatives in other challenging environments. This comprehensive analysis serves as a resource for stakeholders in the WASH sector, especially in areas with significant refugee populations.