Meeting a Basic Human Need: Aid's Rural Potable Water and Sanitation Program: Nsiad-84-34

GAO reviewed the Agency for International Development's (AID) potable water and sanitation activities in Ecuador, Indonesia, Malawi, Peru, and Tanzania.
Between fiscal years 1978 and 1982, AID provided over $161 million in development assistance for water supply and sanitation improvements, mostly in rural areas. In each country, GAO specifically examined the extent to which: (1) assistance is reaching the intended users; (2) problems are being overcome; and (3) improvements in water quality and quantity are being measured. GAO found that low project priority in the host country, inadequate financial support, and cumbersome logistics contribute to slow progress. In Ecuador and Malawi, where there has been hosting country commitment and community participation, projects are being implemented nearly in accordance with plans. However, in Indonesia, Peru, and Tanzania, the development or improvement of basic water supply systems has been significantly delayed. GAO expressed concern that there was little information regarding improvements in water quality and quantity which have been made through U.S. assistance. GAO noted that studies by the World Bank concur with GAO observations.