Approval Date: 1998

Safe water and sanitation are essential for the development of public health. The Government's goal is to ensure that all people have access to safe water and sanitation services at an affordable cost. It is globally recognized that the physical provision of services alone is not a sufficient pre-condition for sustainability or improvement of the health and well-being of the people. Greater attention needs to be focused on elements of behavioral changes of users and sustainability through user participation in planning, implementation, management, and cost-sharing. To achieve this goal and to ensure that development in the water supply and sanitation sector is equitable and sustainable, the formulation of a National Policy for Safe Water Supply and Sanitation is essential.