Yes! WaterAid believes that all governments have a responsibility to ensure all citizens have access to water and sanitation services. However, in many of the countries where we work there is often a lack of capacity and funds to make this happen. WaterAid works with governments nationally and internationally to help ensure that the world's poorest people gain access to these basic needs.
For example, in some countries, we map the location of existing water and sanitation facilities to see where facilities are required so that any new work reaches the people who need it most. We then work with local governments to build their capacity to deliver on their responsibilities to provide these essential services.
We receive funding from donor governments including the US government. We also work closely with many local government departments, which have been given the responsibility, but often not the resources or training, to carry out water and sanitation work in their area.
WaterAid also represents non-governmental organizations on the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, one of the main international groupings of government and professional people working in the global drinking water sector.