The SMART approach: a solution for the hard to reach?

With limited funds and a fast-growing population in sub Saharan Africa the question is, how do “the hard to reach” get safe and sustainable water access? One solution can be reducing the cost of wells, pumps, water storage, filters, latrines etc. A range of new low cost technologies that also can be produced locally are SMARTechs, SMART stands for Simple, Market-based, Affordable, Repairable Technologies and examples include household water filters, manual drilling, EMAS and Rope pumps, Tube ground water recharge to store rainwater in the ground, SaTo Pan latrines etc. These and other innovative technologies can be disseminated via WET Centres, SMART Centres, vocational education or other training facilities. The SMART approach is a combination of, a) cost reduction with innovative technologies, b) the focus on Self-supply, c) Household water treatment and d) capacity building. SMARTechs and the training of the local private sector in technical and business skills has proven to be a strong tool to reach the SDG6 while it also has positive effects on reducing poverty, increasing food security and creating employment.