Detailed Information :

India

Year of Establishment: 1996

Project Phase: Completed

Participants: Water Integrity Network (WIN) committee members, Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) and local government (Kurup)

Scope:

• In the management of its sanitation program the community of Kurup Kerala used a variety of tools to enhance transparency.

Key Facts:

Description

• The Water Integrity Network (WIN) committee and NGO staff monitored all activities associated with the implementation of a sanitation program in Kurup, Kerala by the local government. This initiative is considered a project-based anti-corruption declaration involving local communities.
• This included the estimation of costs and construction time, tendering processes, conducting spot checks and independent audits to ensure transparency of the constructing process, to eliminate misuse of public resources and to create effective anti-corruption mechanism.
• The program also ensured that eligible families were selected for subsidies and it involved the community in the supervision of the transparency of the program.

Objectives

• Objectives of the initiative: (i) to ensure full transparency, (ii) to secure best practice principles of management, (iii) to eliminate misuse of public authority and resources, (iv) to create effective anti-corruption mechanism.

Key Learning:

• Transparent processes at the local level through joint initiatives can make a large impact.

Mechanisms:

• Cost: Funded partly by the local government and partly through contributions by local households (through installments)
• Role of Monitor:
• The WIN committee and the NGO staff monitored all activities associated with transparent implementation of the program. This included estimation of costs and construction time, tendering processes, conducting spot checks and independent audits.
• Tools: WIN facilitates the sanitation program along with the local NGO staff. The following tools are used:
• Communication and mobilization of the transparency rules of the sanitation program across the village.
• Socio-economic mapping - this involved identification of classes of people staying in the community. Agreements to follow the transparency program were signed with poor beneficiary families identified.
• Public posting of those eligible for subsidies - A list of beneficiary families eligible for subsidies were posted for two weeks in public places to allow for public complaints
• Local government to make contributions between 15% to 25% for the project - this was to be achieved through a signed contract with the local government
• Public estimation of costs and construction time - Two to three demonstration latrines constructed with careful costing to show all materials, labor, time needed for construction and overheads. Local masons are trained during the construction of the demonstration latrines.
• Local tendering controls - The least expensive materials of good quality are purchased. At least three tender bids are sought for materials (sand, cement, bricks etc). Tenders are given, selected, signed by three people from the committee or local government and NGO staff. Spot checks: Senior staff check the prices of vendors in that area. Action if something wrong: Materials are returned, money refunded, supplier is not used again or programme is stopped.
• Spot checks - Spot checks by staff (at least once every two months) to check receipts, storehouse, tenders, household receipts, and government records. Any problems encountered are referred to NGO and local government leaders. Programme is stopped immediately if there is dishonesty.
• Independent audits - Surprise independent audits done at least once in each area. Issues during these audits are referred to NGO and local government staff. The programme is stopped and no money is released until the situation improves
• Contributions before construction - Committees and staff count low-income households from map. Local government records payments. These households are given time to pay by installments. No construction is permitted till payment is made
• Checklists held by stakeholders - Post construction using good quality materials, a construction checklist is used by all groups (masons, supervisors, committees, families). All stakeholders are trained in how to use it. Repairs are made at no cost if a complaint is valid
• Signatories on receipts - The Mason and supervisor do not begin construction without seeing the attendance card for education meetings attended.

Benefits:

• For Village locals: Better sanitation facilities through a transparent process achieved by collective efforts.
• For NGO: Honest competition was secured.
• For Local government: Transparent processes leading to potential savings; anti-corruption practices spread locally.

Links:

• Water Integrity Network
• Preventing corruption in a sanitation program in Kerala, India

Source: WIN website