In the concept and implementation of its programmes PROTOS fully recognises the legal regulations and authorities of the water sector in the countries involved.
Today a decentralised state organisation is introduced in many developing countries. Thereby the responsibility for local development, including the provisioning of water and sanitation, is consigned to local authorities, yet within the scope of the central government’s policies. So the client-contractorship of drinking water - and sanitation projects now falls to the local authorities. PROTOS insists that the latter fully accept these responsibilities. Despite having little or no experience, it is essential for good governance. PROTOS assists the authorities in these tasks.

A politics of decentralisation supports the self-development of third world countries. Local agencies know much better the needs and possibilities of the region concerned. Cooperation with and supervision over the local civil society offers more chances to success. Thereby a transparent policy is essential. By supporting the local authorities and civil society in their respective roles, PROTOS not only feels to show respect for the legal rules, but also expects to make an important contribution to the country’s democratic autonomy. The fact that a drinking water - and/or sanitation project comes about this way heightens the projects’ legitimacy. It also considerably reinforces the population’s recognition of these local governments and their authority. A transparent policy, finally, is a protection against the risk of corruption and of the concentration of power.

Studies and reports

A general study and some country-specific studies concerning the support of the local client-contractorship were carried out in Benin, Mali, Haiti, Ecuador, Burundi and Uganda.

PROTOS appui a la MDO rapport final mars 2006 (722 KB) (Français)

PROTOS appui MDO Final report - report Uganda (662 KB) (English)

PROTOS appui MDO rapport final - rapport Burundi (3,5 MB) (Français)

PROTOS appui MDO rapport final - rapport Bénin (553 KB) (Français)

PROTOS appui MDO rapport Final - rapport Mali (835 KB) (Français)

PROTOS appui MDO rapport final - rapport Ecuador (310 KB) (Nederlands)

PROTOS appui MDO rapport final - rapport Haïti (869 KB) (Français)