Independent Data Verification of the Payment by Results Scheme in the Rural Water Sub-sector in Tanzania

Since August 2018, Ecorys have been delivering the Independent Data Verification of the Payment by Results Scheme in the Rural Water Sub-sector in Tanzania, funded by DFID (2018-2022).

The programme supports the access of Tanzania’s rural population to water supply by implementing an innovative payment approach which incentivises improved service delivery. Local Government Authorities (LGAs) gather data and report each month on the number and functionality status of water points in their district. A consortium led by Ecorys completes an annual independent verification of this data, including a field-based check.

The results of the verification are then reported to DFID, and the accuracy of the data as well as the number of functional water points found are used to calculate a payment disbursement to the LGAs. Funds are then used to improve the service provision of public water points to peri-urban and rural communities across Tanzania.

The programme also has a large learning component, focussing on assessing how successfully the payment modality ensures improvements to delivery of improved water services. Lessons are fed back into verification procedures, wider programme implementation, as well as to the wider water sector.

This will enhance the resilience and long term sustainability of rural water supply in Tanzania and will feed into Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2025, which strives to provide a minimum of 90% of the country’s rural popular with access to safe water and sanitation by 2025.