Abstract
To achieve the “Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): Ensure Access to Water and Sanitation for All”, investments in water infrastructure need to be significantly expanded. Particularly in developing countries, the management of freshwater ecosystems, the development and maintenance of water infrastructure, and the distribution of fresh water supply require improved infrastructure and better management. This report captures ILO’s experiences in the application of local resource-based (LRB) approaches to water works – water supply and sanitation services, small dams, irrigation systems, and adaptation works at the community level in many countries covered by technical assistance and projects, either as response to pre or post-disaster and/or conflict, under the Employment Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP). It describes how vulnerable groups can be involved in planning and implementation, how water supply projects can be identified and prioritized and how local resources can be optimized during implementation, operation and maintenance of schemes. The ILO is not a “water agency” but, as water affects almost every aspect of life including the world of work it is involved in water projects. In a small way, this report may contribute to sustainable development and in particular SDG 6. It is a living document and the EIIP hopes to improve it over time as more experiences from projects and beneficiaries become available.