In the last decade, many developing countries have come a long way in improving basic sanitation (access to toilets). This achievement has resulted in a considerable increase in the number of toilets and related latrines and septic systems, including in high population growth urban centers; indeed, close to 50% of the urban population rely on non-sewered sanitation (NSS) systems. On-site systems are no longer seen as a temporary solution on a trajectory to sewerage, but instead the solution for most of those not connected to sewerage. As the urban population increases and small towns grow increasingly dense, fecal sludge management (FSM) is all the more important to ensure.

Successful implementation and scaling of sustainable and viable FSM solutions requires increased political will, formulation and effective implementation and enforcement of FSM policies and regulations, defined budget priorities for FSM, mobilizing additional sources of finance, strengthened capacity of service providers, among others.

This session will explore successful cases from South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa on how:
i) improved governance and enabling environment for private sector engagement,
ii) development and enforcement of rules and regulations to improve performance monitoring,
iii) professionalization of public and private service providers, and
iv) innovative financing and business models can contribute to scaling inclusive access to sustainable FSM services in developing countries.