Rapid Sanitation Delivery Authority (RSDA): De-Risk Implementation Through Results-Based Financing and Pre-Approved Design Standards
Description
Establish a Rapid Sanitation Delivery Authority — a standalone entity within multilateral development banks (or as a new special fund) — with authority to bypass standard project cycle timelines for small-scale sanitation projects ($2-10M) using three mechanisms: (1) Pre-Approved Technology and Design Standards: A library of proven, low-risk sanitation system designs (pit latrines, ventilated improved pit latrines, small-bore sewerage, household treatment) that have been through one full environmental and social review.
Communities can select from approved designs without repeating lengthy assessment cycles. (2) Results-Based Financing: Funding disbursed upon verified outcomes (household access to sanitation) rather than activity completion. Removes the perverse incentive to inflate implementation timelines.
(3) Delegated Authority: Local water utilities and government agencies in countries with adequate fiduciary systems (meet World Bank assessment thresholds) can approve sub-projects within the RSDA framework without headquarters review, cutting approval timelines from 14 months to 6 weeks.
Implementation Pathway
Phase 1 (2026–2027)
- • RSDA charter negotiated and operational status achieved
- • Library of 50 pre-approved designs finalized
- • Pilots launched in 10 countries
Phase 2 (2027–2030)
- • RSDA operational in 30 countries
- • Results-based financing reaches $5B annually
- • Average project cycle: 8 weeks (vs. current 18+ months)
Phase 3 (2030+)
- • RSDA mechanisms integrated into all MDB WASH operations
- • Fast-track becomes the default pathway for small projects
Required Resources
Impact Analysis
Overall Net Impact
Combined analysis across all timeframes
Short-term
0-2 years
No benefits identified
No harms identified
Mid-term
3-10 years
No benefits identified
No harms identified
Long-term
10+ years
No benefits identified
No harms identified