Private Sector

Leveraging the private sector

When it comes to innovating in the world of development, capitalizing on local businesses is often overlooked. Or worse, it’s avoided for fear of creating a backlash.

At Water For People we know that solving the world water crisis won’t happen by avoiding challenges. We tackle them head on.

Just look at our work with Jalabandhu (Friends of Water) in India, where these mechanics ride bicycles from water point to water point, caring for water systems run by local communities. That’s the power of the private sector. Or examine the network of businesses being built to create a robust solution to the urban sanitation problems in Malawi.

These Sanitation Entrepreneurs create the backbone of Sanitation as a Business—where latrines can be built, maintained, operated, and turned into an ongoing source of income and livelihood in an area desperate for sanitation and job creation as well.