More than 250 towns had signed letters of intent to borrow money to finance their water systems. Ten towns were starting construction of their systems. In another 19, project preparation was under way. The first system was to be completed by fall 2000. Information is available and citizens know what is happening.
Women are often more concerned with the community's welfare than with their own immediate gain.
They are also the ones who are most affected by things not working out. Of course, the project works with men, but we do make a special effort to involve women in the decision making. By decentralizing, the project managers hope to ensure accountability. But the World Bank's water sector projects have stumbled in the past. We shouldn't claim victory when we are only starting.