1.5 Consulting for CWIS

Summary

This module introduces Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS), a holistic approach to urban sanitation that integrates technical, social, financial, and institutional aspects across the entire service chain. Consultants are guided on adapting to new project requirements that emphasize inclusivity, sustainability, and multi-stakeholder engagement. The training highlights the need for multidisciplinary teams, modern data tools, iterative problem-solving, and proactive client collaboration. It outlines practical do's and don'ts for winning bids, expanding opportunities beyond traditional engineering roles. CWIS represents a growing market for innovative consultants ready to deliver comprehensive, sustainable sanitation solutions that serve all urban residents.

Takeaways

• 😀 CWIS (Citywide Inclusive Sanitation) focuses on providing sanitation for all urban residents, integrating both off-site and on-site solutions.
• 😀 Non-sewered sanitation investments are increasing rapidly, and consultants need to adapt to this evolving market.
• 😀 Citywide Inclusive Sanitation expands the scope of urban sanitation work, requiring a holistic approach to the entire project cycle from planning to maintenance.
• 😀 The non-technical aspects, including stakeholder engagement, play a crucial role in the success of CWIS projects.
• 😀 New tenders focus on delivering sanitation as a service, not just infrastructure, and combine sanitation with drainage and solid waste management.
• 😀 Consultants must take an adaptive and iterative approach, proactively working with clients and stakeholders to find tailored solutions.
• 😀 CWIS projects demand multi-disciplinary teams with expertise in social science, private sector engagement, institutional analysis, and more.
• 😀 Future consulting in CWIS requires consultants to think politically and become active participants in the change process, not just facilitators.
• 😀 Consultants should use modern tools for data collection and analysis, and build on existing infrastructure and service providers to reduce costs.
• 😀 Consultants must focus on service delivery, not just engineering solutions, and prioritize training and recruitment of diverse skill sets for future projects.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the new generation of urban sanitation projects mentioned in the transcript?

The primary goal is to achieve 100% safe sanitation coverage, with a particular emphasis on increasing investment in non-sewered sanitation solutions.

What is Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS), and how does it differ from traditional approaches?

Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) is a holistic approach that covers the entire sanitation service chain, including technical, social, and institutional aspects. It differs from traditional approaches by focusing on inclusivity, integrating sanitation with drainage and solid waste management, and addressing the needs of all urban residents, both rich and poor.

What are some key phases of CWIS projects that consultants need to engage with?

Consultants need to engage with all phases of CWIS projects, including planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance. They should focus on both technical assessments and non-technical activities like stakeholder engagement and regulatory analysis.

How do the terms of reference (ToR) for CWIS projects differ from past tenders?

The ToR for CWIS projects have shifted from focusing solely on infrastructure and hardware to a more comprehensive approach that emphasizes sanitation as a service, integrating solutions for drainage, solid waste management, and ensuring inclusiveness for all urban residents.

What skills are consultants required to develop in order to bid for CWIS projects successfully?

Consultants need to adopt an adaptive, iterative approach, work with multidisciplinary teams, and incorporate expertise in areas such as social science, institutional analysis, business models, behavior change, and gender studies to address the complex, multi-dimensional nature of CWIS projects.

Why is stakeholder engagement so crucial in CWIS projects?

Stakeholder engagement is crucial because CWIS projects involve a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and private sector players. Ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are involved helps create sustainable solutions that meet the needs of all citizens.

What are some examples of non-technical aspects that consultants must consider in CWIS projects?

Non-technical aspects include stakeholder engagement, social factors, institutional analysis, regulatory frameworks, and financial considerations. These elements are as important as the technical aspects in ensuring the success of CWIS projects.

What should consultants avoid when assembling a team for a CWIS project?

Consultants should avoid assembling a team consisting solely of environmental or civil engineers. The team must be interdisciplinary, including experts from social science, business, and other relevant fields.

What are some do's and don'ts for consultants working on CWIS projects?

Do's include using modern tools for data collection, building on existing infrastructure, and taking training seriously. Don’ts include promising outputs the company cannot deliver, underestimating non-technical efforts, and limiting the team to just engineers.

How can CWIS projects benefit consultants in the long run?

CWIS projects provide new business opportunities, enabling consultants to tap into an emerging market. Consultants who adapt quickly and adopt the new approach can establish themselves as sector leaders, ahead of their competitors.