The Community Managed Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Program in Bangladesh exemplified a participatory approach to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in underserved rural communities. By empowering local residents—particularly women—to take ownership of WASH initiatives, these programs foster sustainable infrastructure development and promote behavioral change.
The Community-Managed Water and Sanitation Project (CMWSP) has worked with communities lacking basic water and sanitation facilities. By facilitating access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation, the project seeks to reduce waterborne diseases and improve public health among the rural poor.
The community-managed programs often involve forming local committees responsible for the operation and maintenance of WASH facilities, ensuring long-term sustainability. Such approaches not only address immediate health concerns but also empower communities to manage their resources effectively, contributing to broader socio-economic development.