Summary
The South Asia Water Security Initiative (SAWASI) is a four-year (2021-2025) $20 million investment to improve access to safe water and sanitation services for disadvantaged communities in South Asian cities. SAWASI aims to achieve this goal by strengthening South Asian city-level water governance; by undertaking investments that provide urban water services support to disadvantaged communities (particularly women and girls); and by making partner governments, other donors and water professionals aware of Australian expertise in urban water management and water sensitive cities (WSC).
The purpose of the mid-term review (MTR) was to assess the program's performance and progress towards its objectives, and to identify areas for improvement. The MTR provided a list of recommendations and lessons for the remainder of the program.
Overall, the MTR report found that rather than being a regional program as intended by design, SAWASI was a multi-country funding mechanism in three South Asian countries, unified loosely by variable applications of the WSC concept, and supported by one regional workshop. Despite the shortcomings identified, programming had been effective and relevant to local needs and broadly aligned with Australia’s policy settings. Projects had been well regarded by the respective counterparts and beneficiaries.
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Review
- Mid Term Review of the South Asia Water Security Initiative (SAWASI) [DOCX 6.1 MB]
- Mid Term Review of the South Asia Water Security Initiative (SAWASI) [PDF 2.1 MB]