Sharing lessons on rural sanitation development

SNV supported Nam Saat Central to organise the 4th National Learning and Experience Sharing Workshop on the implementation of Sustainable Rural Sanitation in Lao PDR held in Pakse, Champassack Province in September 2015. The workshop was attended by over 150 representatives of provincial governments, with 10 out of 18 provinces attending, and development agencies, including WSP, Plan International, UNICEF, PSI, and Poverty Reduction Fund. The Deputy minister of Health, Mrs. Inlavanh Keobounphan, was also in attendance and addressed the participants about the importance of these lessons.

The aim of the workshop was to share lessons and experiences from rural sanitation development in Lao PDR, focusing on the provinces as the centres of learning and leaders of development. The event provided opportunities to share successes and outstanding lessons, and enabled participants to learn from each other on different approaches to rural sanitation development, in order to identify ways to improve their own programmes.

The event featured a learning forum and group discussion, as well as a panel discussion focusing on the variety of provinces and districts represented and the specific context and approaches in those areas. There was also a project showcase for projects to demonstrate aspects of their programmes through print and audiovisual materials.

SNV presented the concept and approach of the Faecal Sludge Management Treatment Plant (FSTP) which is being contracted in Savannakhet in partnership with the government and the private sector. Government partners from the PRDO and DRDO presented lessons learned about Open-Defecation Free Village verification and declaration processes.

SNV’s presentation on FSTP generated a lot of interest and engagement among attendees. A photo of this presentation by Phetmany Cheuasongkham, SNV WASH Advisor, accompanied the article about the national learning workshop in the Pasason newspaper. She explained different aspects of the regulations recently approved by the Provincial authority of Savannakhet, which have inspired other provincial government representatives to consider making similar regulations for their respective provinces on safe management of faecal sludge.