When we work with a community, it’s on the understanding that any solution will need their investment to be truly sustainable. We cover the initial costs of planning and installation. Then, once the community is in a better financial position to look after the solutions, they take over – putting money aside for future maintenance and paying those elected to manage them. Paying for services helps create responsibility and ownership of them within a community, which is vital to the success of a long-term solution. All WaterAid projects are equitable and inclusive, too. This means that service bills are graded so that everyone can afford to pay and use the facilities, regardless of gender, caste, disability or any other factor. Those who are unable to afford any grade of tariff usually agree on other ways to contribute within the community. Learn more in our Equality, inclusion and rights framework (PDF).