Villanova University College of Engineering Villanova Engineering Service Learning Sustainable WASH Research Initiative Madagascar Project Report - 2017 V I L L A N O V A U N I V E R S I T Y College of Engineering J. Ermilio Tel: 610-519-6859 Villanova University Fax: 610-519-7312 800 Lancaster Avenue E-mail:
[email protected] Villanova, PA 19085 August 1, 2017 Subject: Sustainable WASH Research Initiative Dear WASH Sector Professionals, On behalf of the Villanova College of Engineering and our program partners in Madagascar, Catholic Relief Services, we are pleased to present the results of a two-year study on the sustainability of PPP Managed Water Supply in Madagascar. This study is a part of an ongoing multi-year initiative that includes the continuously monitoring of water supply infrastructure. The primary objective of this research initiative is to develop tools to improve system performance by providing local management teams with the information needed to improve operation and maintenance. In addition to this, the long-term objective of this study is to better understand how external factors influence the sustainability of water infrastructure in developing communities and how local management mitigates external threats to long-term performance. Whereas, this study is being presented here in a graduate thesis, it is important to note that the research is ongoing and includes a multi-country initiative with multiple program partners and research teams. Anyone who would like to collaborate on this effort is encouraged to contact us directly, as would sincerely welcome the opportunity to explore ways to improve this work and to better serve the needs of the international development water and sanitation sector.