Water for Good is entering an exciting new chapter. We are pleased to announce Project SusTAin, a three-year, multi-million-dollar initiative that will strengthen the operation and maintenance of 225 existing solar-powered water systems across Cameroon and Uganda, helping keep safe, clean water flowing for approximately 800,000 people or more.
This partnership is a step forward in the Technical Assistance services we launched in 2026 – one of the core pillars of our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan to serve 2.6 million people annually by 2028. Technical Assistance means that instead of building new systems ourselves, Water for Good is equipping local water operation and maintenance service providers to rehabilitate and maintain existing water points. Last year, we officially transitioned our program work in Uganda to provide Technical Assistance that complements our Vision of a Healthy Village model. This new opportunity builds on that initiative and progress. Success will mean that hundreds of thousands more families can count on safe, reliable water for decades, not just until the next breakdown.
Launching In Cameroon
Project SusTAin also marks our entry into Cameroon with Technical Assistance, our sixth country of operation, where we will support 104 water systems in the Benoue and Mayo-Louti regions. In rural northern Cameroon, only about half the population (52%) has access to even basic safe water, compared to 82% in cities. Bringing our Technical Assistance model here for the first time, alongside our continued and growing work in Uganda, is a significant step toward closing that gap.
What Makes This Unique
- Not new construction: We are stepping in as a technical partner, rehabilitating water systems, and training and equipping local service providers so systems keep working for the long haul.
- Results-based financing: An innovative funding approach that ties revenue payments to verified performance, which will encourage local service providers to do great work, and get rewarded for their accomplishments.
- Job creation: The project creates good, local jobs and livelihoods in water services in the communities it touches.
- Government alignment: Close collaboration with national and district governments and service authorities is central to making this work last.
- It is Africa-led: Headed by Emmanuel Curuma, our VP of Impact & Learning, based in Kampala, Uganda, this project reflects our commitment to locating leadership closest to the work. Furthermore, Water for Good team members based in our Addis Ababa, Ethiopia headquarters will support the launch and review all aspects of the project.
A Big Step, Not the Finish Line
Project SusTAin is real proof that our Technical Assistance model works and can grow, and we see it as more than a single project. It’s a template for how Water for Good approaches Technical Assistance and capacity-building, one we hope to learn from, refine, and replicate with more partners in the years ahead.
The reality is, 225 water systems are a fraction of what’s needed across sub-Saharan Africa, and this project funds operations and maintenance, not the new water access work still ahead in the communities we already serve with our Vision of a Healthy Village model. Reaching 2.6 million people annually by 2028 will take many more generous partners like you standing with us. Thank you for being part of this ongoing story!
Questions, or interested in learning more? Contact us at info@waterforgood.org.
