Use of supply chain assessment in RWSS projects as an effective project management tool

In simple terms, supply chain means transfer of materials and services from the manufacture / service provider through intermediate actors or directly to the end user. In RWSS, there is a potential for goods and services to be supplied through a supply chain from manufacturers, importers and service providers through a network of distributors directly to dispersed customers. Lack of proper supply chains lead severe drawbacks in RWSS project implementation. There is very little experience in analyzing rural supply chains in Sri Lanka, if not elsewhere in the world. This report contains a model for assessing the local supply chain based on the Sri Lanka context. The objective of the assessment is to determine limiting factors for community procurement and private sector provision of goods and services for construction of RWS schemes and to develop a strategy to overcome observed constraints and weaknesses in local supply chains during project preparation.